Photo Credit: Georgetown University Media.
IMMIGRATION NEWS – Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown University researcher and Indian national, was detained by federal immigration authorities on Monday, sparking widespread concern. Suri, who was teaching at the Washington institution on a student visa, was arrested outside his home in Arlington, Virginia, by masked agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The DHS alleges that Suri was “actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media,” and that he has “close connections” to a known or suspected terrorist, who is a senior advisor to Hamas. However, Suri’s lawyer, Hassan Ahmad, claims that his client has done nothing wrong and that the detention is “beyond contemptible”.
Georgetown University has expressed surprise at the allegations, stating that they were not aware of any misconduct by Suri. The university has also emphasized its support for Suri’s rights to free and open inquiry, deliberation, and debate.
Suri’s detention comes as the Trump administration seeks to deport Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, who took part in protests against Israel and the war in Gaza. The administration is using a section of immigration law concerning “foreign policy consequences” to justify the deportation.
Suri is currently being held at the Alexandria Staging Facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, awaiting an immigration hearing. His lawyer has filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus in federal court in Virginia, seeking to determine whether his detainment is lawful.
As the case unfolds, concerns about academic freedom, immigration policies, and the targeting of pro-Palestinian activists are likely to continue.