A US judge ruled on Thursday that Indian researcher Badar Khan Suri cannot be deported. Authorities arrested him over alleged links to Hamas and accusations of spreading propaganda in support of the group. Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, now awaits further legal proceedings.

Legal Battle Over Deportation

Suri’s lawyer strongly opposed the arrest, calling it “targeted, retaliatory detention” meant to silence supporters of Palestinian rights. As a result, Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles ruled that Suri must remain in the US until the court makes a final decision.

Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) quickly responded by filing an emergency motion to stop the deportation. In their statement, they confirmed that officials are holding Suri in an immigration detention center in Louisiana.

Moreover, ACLU attorney Sophia Gregg strongly criticized the arrest, saying:

"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."

Government’s Stance

On the other hand, Suri’s lawyer argued that no official has accused him of committing a crime or breaking any law. The legal filing claimed that the government detained him because of his family ties and constitutionally protected free speech.

However, Tricia McLaughlin, a Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman, defended the arrest. In a post on X, she stated that Suri spread Hamas propaganda and promoted anti-Semitism online. Furthermore, she accused him of having “close connections” with a suspected Hamas adviser.

Arrest and Family Background

Officials arrested Suri on Monday at his home in Arlington, Virginia. He currently conducts research at Georgetown’s Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding.

According to Politico, Suri’s wife is a US citizen of Palestinian descent. As a result, the couple believes they are being targeted because of their suspected opposition to US policy on Israel.

Concerns Over Free Speech and Academic Research

Notably, Suri’s detention just two months into President Donald Trump’s term has raised serious concerns in academia. Many scholars fear that such actions threaten free speech and academic research, discouraging open discussions in universities.