US Judge Blocks Deportation of Indian Researcher Amid Hamas Allegations

A US judge ruled on Thursday that authorities cannot deport an Indian researcher from Georgetown University. Officials accused him of having ties to Hamas and spreading propaganda. However, the court blocked his deportation until further review.

Legal Fight Over Arrest

Suri, a postdoctoral fellow, was arrested earlier this week. His lawyer, however, called the detention “targeted and retaliatory.” He claimed the government wants to silence those supporting Palestinian rights.

On Thursday evening, Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles ruled that Suri cannot be deported unless the court allows it. Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) quickly filed an emergency motion to stop the deportation. They also confirmed that Suri is being held in a Louisiana detention center.

ACLU Condemns Arrest

ACLU attorney Sophia Gregg strongly criticized the arrest.

“Ripping someone from their home and family, stripping them of their immigration status, and detaining them solely based on political viewpoint is a clear attempt by President Trump to silence dissent,” she said.

Moreover, Suri’s lawyer argued that no government official, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has accused him of committing a crime. He further claimed that the government targeted Suri because of his family ties and political beliefs.

Government’s Accusations

On the other hand, Tricia McLaughlin, a Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman, defended the arrest.

On X (formerly Twitter), she stated that Suri was a foreign exchange student at Georgetown University spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting anti-Semitism.

Additionally, she claimed that Suri had close ties to a known or suspected terrorist linked to Hamas.

Suri’s Arrest and Background

Authorities arrested Suri on Monday at his home in Arlington, Virginia. According to Politico, he works at Georgetown’s Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding.

Furthermore, his lawyer told Politico that Suri’s wife is a US citizen of Palestinian descent. The couple strongly believes that the government targeted them for opposing US policy on Israel.

Free Speech and Research Concerns

Suri’s arrest has sparked outrage in academic circles. Many scholars now fear that this threatens free speech and research.

Since his detention occurred just two months into Trump’s presidency, the case has ignited a broader debate. As a result, Suri remains in custody as the legal battle continues.