“Rather than require Mr. Khalil to petition the court each time he seeks to enter a different state, this court could obviate the need for piecemeal modifications entirely by allowing Mr. Khalil to travel freely within the United States, restoring him to the status quo ante preceding his detention.”
Detention and Legal Proceedings
Khalil’s detention earlier this year stemmed from a determination by Secretary of State Marco Rubio—a Trump appointee—that his pro-Palestinian activism constituted a threat to U.S. foreign policy interests. The district court has since blocked the administration from detaining or deporting Khalil under that determination while his immigration case continues.
Friday’s ruling marks a significant easing of restrictions for Khalil, who maintains lawful permanent resident status in the United States and has denied any wrongdoing.
Case Information
The case is Khalil v. Joyce et al., Case No. 2:25-cv-01963, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
