Trump admin can’t deport Georgetown scholar accused of spreading Hamas propaganda: judge
A federal judge has intervened in the deportation of Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown University scholar who was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on allegations of spreading Hamas propaganda online. Judge Patricia Giles has ordered that Suri, an Indian citizen, not be removed from the United States unless there is a contrary order from the court.
Suri, a postdoctoral scholar on a student visa, was apprehended in Alexandria, Louisiana. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused him of actively disseminating Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media. According to a senior DHS official, Suri has connections to a known or suspected terrorist who is a senior advisor to Hamas. However, the agency did not disclose the identity of the suspected terrorist or Hamas advisor.
It was reported by The New York Times that Suri’s wife is Palestinian American, and her father is Ahmed Yousef, a former advisor to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated by Israel in Iran last year.
Yousef, who resides in Gaza, stated in a voice message that Suri is his son-in-law and denied any involvement in political activism related to Hamas. He resigned from his position in the Hamas-run government over a decade ago and has criticized Hamas’ attacks on Israel in the past.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Suri deportable under the Immigration and Nationality Act on March 15 due to his activities and presence in the U.S. Fox News Digital has attempted to contact Suri’s legal representation for comment.
The contentious arrest and deportation proceedings of Badar Khan Suri have sparked debates about national security, free speech, and the handling of individuals with alleged ties to terrorist organizations. The case remains ongoing as legal battles unfold in the courtroom.
