US immigration detains Georgetown researcher over alleged Hamas ties

In the United States, a Georgetown University researcher named Badar Khan Suri was detained by immigration authorities while returning home after breaking his fast for Ramadan. Suri, an Indian national on a student visa, was apprehended by masked agents of the Department of Homeland Security on March 17, 2025. His arrest occurred amidst accusations from DHS that he was spreading propaganda for Hamas and promoting antisemitism online. These claims were made without providing substantial evidence or charging him with any crimes, which has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates. The controversy around Suri's detention is deeply intertwined with the current political climate, particularly the Trump administration's immigration policies that focus on foreign nationals opposed to U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel. Suri’s case has raised significant concerns about free speech and academic freedom, prompting Georgetown University to issue a statement in support of its community members' rights to express controversial ideas. A federal judge has since ruled that Suri cannot be deported until further court orders are issued, temporarily halting the expulsion process against him. The outcome of this case is expected to set a precedent regarding the treatment of foreign scholars and students, particularly those expressing dissenting political views. With significant political ramifications, this situation illustrates a broader tension between immigration enforcement and the rights of individuals engaged in academic discourse.