Federal Magistrate Lifts Travel Limitations for Palestinian Activist Khalil, Allowing Unrestricted Travel Within the US
A US magistrate has eased movement limitations within the United States for the Palestinian activist, allowing him to speak at gatherings and various engagements across the country while he fights attempts to deport him.
Khalil, who was released from a Louisiana detention center in June after being detained by federal agents amid student and activist roundups, had petitioned a judicial authority to remove the restrictions that had confined his movement to specific states.
At a remote hearing, his legal representative stated that her client “wants to move for the very significant free speech concerns that are at the bottom of this case.”
“He wants to speak topics of public concern,” the lawyer added, referencing the legal right to free speech.
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However, the government’s attorney, who opposed the move, argued that Khalil “has not offered enough of a justification why he couldn’t participate in these and other activities telephonically.”
The judge the presiding official agreed to allow Khalil to move freely, stating that he was not considered a risk of fleeing and had not breached any of his bail terms.
The judge concurred with the government that Khalil is required to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement about his itinerary.
Khalil, who is a lawful US permanent resident, was arrested by immigration agents in early spring following his participation in activist demonstrations at the university, an prestigious institution in NY.
The government asserts it had the authority to arrest and deport him, arguing that his presence in the United States is a risk to national security. A further claim is that he omitted information about his work history and affiliation in organizations on his petition for a green card.
Following his release, Khalil said he intended to persist in his criticism of the institution for what activists consider as its capitulation to government directives to restrict certain expression and address threats against students on campus.
