US Magistrate Eases Movement Restrictions for Activist Mahmoud Khalil, Allowing Unrestricted Travel Within the United States
A federal magistrate has eased travel restrictions within the United States for Mahmoud Khalil, allowing him to speak at rallies and other activities across the country while he fights attempts to deport him.
Khalil, who was freed from a US detention center in the summer after being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement amid wider enforcement actions, had petitioned a judicial authority to lift the limitations that had confined his movement to specific states.
At a remote proceeding, his legal representative stated that her client “wants to travel for the very important first amendment concerns that are at the bottom of this matter.”
“He seeks to speak issues of public concern,” the attorney noted, citing the constitutional right to free expression.
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However, the government’s attorney, who objected to the request, stated that Khalil “has not provided enough of a justification why he couldn’t participate in these and other events telephonically.”
The judge Michael Hammer consented to permit the activist to travel, noting that he was not considered a risk of fleeing and had not violated any of his release conditions.
The magistrate agreed with the prosecution that the individual is obligated to alert federal authorities about his itinerary.
Khalil, who is a lawful green card holder, was arrested by federal officers in early spring following his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests at the university, an prestigious school in New York.
The administration asserts it had the power to detain and remove Khalil, arguing that his status in the US is a risk to national security. A further allegation is that he omitted information about his work history and membership in organizations on his application for a green card.
Following his freedom, the activist said he intended to continue his criticism of the institution for what activists view as its capitulation to government demands to restrict specific expression and respond to concerns against students on campus.
