In brief
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and recent Columbia University graduate, can now travel freely in the U.S. after a federal judge removed his travel restrictions. Khalil, who faces deportation initiated by the Trump administration, had previously been confined to specific states. His legal representatives argued for the necessity of his travel for First Amendment activities. The judge agreed, citing Khalil's compliance with release conditions, although he must inform U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of his travel plans.
NEW YORK (PulseWire) – In a significant legal victory for Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a federal judge has lifted the travel restrictions that previously confined him to specific states, granting him the freedom to participate in rallies and events across the U.S. Khalil's case is part of a broader deportation battle initiated under the Trump administration.Prior to this decision, Khalil, a legal U.S. permanent resident, was only permitted to travel to New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Louisiana, and Michigan. His attorney, Alina Das, argued during a virtual hearing that Khalil needed the ability to travel for essential First Amendment activities concerning public issues.The U.S. government's attorney, Aniello DeSimone, challenged this notion, stating that Khalil had not sufficiently justified why he could not participate in events remotely.However, Magistrate Judge Michael Hammer ruled in favor of Khalil, noting that he is not considered a flight risk and has adhered to all release conditions. Khalil must, however, keep U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) informed of his travel plans.Khalil has been a prominent figure in activism at Columbia University, particularly against the war in Gaza. He was arrested by ICE on March 8, becoming the first in a series of activists affected by the Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations. After being detained and missing the birth of his first child, Khalil was released in June by another federal judge.Last month, a judge in Louisiana ruled that Khalil could face deportation over alleged discrepancies in his green card application, a decision his legal team is currently contesting.
