diff --git a/static/js/filter.js b/static/js/filter.js
index b7598c693f..2b0e32e774 100644
--- a/static/js/filter.js
+++ b/static/js/filter.js
@@ -76,9 +76,6 @@ Filter.parse = function (str) {
     }
     _.each(matches, function (token) {
         var parts, operator;
-        if (token.length === 0) {
-            return;
-        }
         parts = token.split(':');
         if (token[0] === '"' || parts.length === 1) {
             // Looks like a normal search term.