Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, has been granted permission to travel freely across the United States amid his ongoing deportation case. This decision was made by a federal magistrate judge who lifted travel restrictions that previously confined him to specific states.
Details of the Travel Authorization
Khalil’s legal team had advocated for this lift during a virtual hearing, emphasizing the importance of his First Amendment rights. During the proceedings, his lawyer, Alina Das, stated, “He wants to speak to issues of public concern.” The judge, Michael Hammer, acknowledged that Khalil is not a flight risk and has complied with his release conditions.
Travel Restrictions Lifted
- Before the ruling, Khalil’s travel was limited to:
- New York
- New Jersey
- Washington, D.C.
- Louisiana
- Michigan
The judge also mandated Khalil to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about his travel plans ahead of time. This decision allows him to participate in rallies and other events across the country.
Background on Mahmoud Khalil
Khalil, a recent graduate student at Columbia University, has been actively involved in protests against the war in Gaza. His arrest by ICE agents on March 8 marked him as a notable figure in the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists. He was the first campus activist to face such action during this period.
After enduring significant personal challenges, including missing the birth of his first child, Khalil was released from immigration detention in June. A federal judge intervened in his case, but his legal troubles continued.
Deportation Case Status
A Louisiana immigration judge recently ruled that Khalil could be deported due to alleged discrepancies on his green card application. However, his legal team is actively contesting this ruling, seeking to protect his permanent residency status.
The outcome of this case not only affects Khalil personally but also reflects broader discussions about immigration policy and freedom of expression in the United States.
