Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown University researcher, was arrested and held for alleged ties to Hamas—claims he denies. A US court has now blocked his deportation, sparking debate over academic freedom and political expression.
Washington, March 21, 2025 — A US federal judge has blocked the deportation of Badar Khan Suri, an Indian postdoctoral researcher at Georgetown University, following his controversial arrest over alleged ties to Hamas—a designated terrorist organization by the United States.
The case has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups, legal experts, and the academic community, who say it highlights increasing pressure on free speech and academic freedom just two months into President Donald Trump’s second term.
Suri, affiliated with Georgetown’s Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, was arrested Monday at his Arlington, Virginia home. On Thursday evening, Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles of the Eastern District of Virginia ruled that Suri “shall not be removed from the United States unless and until the court issues a contrary order.”
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Legal and Civil Rights Pushback
Suri’s legal team described the arrest as “targeted, retaliatory detention” meant to suppress dissent and curtail free expression—especially support for Palestinian rights. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which filed an emergency motion on his behalf, said he is being unlawfully detained at an immigration center in Louisiana.
“Stripping someone of their immigration status solely for their political views is unconstitutional,” said Sophia Gregg, ACLU’s immigrant rights attorney.
Georgetown University issued a statement affirming its support for Suri, noting he was legally present in the US to conduct research on peacebuilding in Iraq and Afghanistan and that there had been no official communication about any illegal activity on his part.
Accusations and Controversy
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleged that Suri spread “Hamas propaganda” and anti-Semitic content via social media. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin further claimed that Suri had links to a “known or suspected terrorist,” said to be a senior Hamas advisor.
Under a US immigration law provision, authorities may expel individuals deemed to pose a threat to foreign policy interests. However, Suri’s lawyer argues that no crime or legal violation has been cited against his client, and that the detention is politically motivated.
According to court filings, Suri’s wife is a US citizen of Palestinian descent, and the couple believes they are being targeted due to suspected opposition to US policies on Israel.
Growing Concerns in Academia
Suri’s case adds to a string of recent incidents worrying academics worldwide. Just a day earlier, French officials condemned the US for denying entry to a French space scientist after finding “anti-US policy” messages on his phone.
“Universities must remain spaces for open dialogue and inquiry—even when ideas are difficult or controversial,” said Georgetown in its statement, reinforcing its commitment to academic freedom.
As the legal battle continues, civil liberties groups warn that Suri’s case could set a troubling precedent for scholars, immigrants, and dissenters alike in the current political climate.
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