Georgetown Researcher Detained by ICE Amid Claims of Hamas Propaganda and Antisemitism

Detention of Georgetown Researcher

• 📌 A Georgetown University researcher, Badar Khan Suri, has been detained by ICE based on claims of spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media.
• 💡 The researcher was reportedly here on a valid student visa and conducting doctoral research on peacebuilding in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Legal Basis for Detention

• ⚖️ The detention is being carried out using an obscure provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the Secretary of State to deport non-citizens deemed adverse to US foreign policy interests.
• 🔗 This same law was reportedly used to detain Palestinian activist Mahmud Khalil, and Suri has also been sent to Louisiana, where Khalil is being held.

Georgetown University's Response

• 💬 Georgetown University stated they are not aware of any illegal activity by the researcher and have not been provided with a reason for his detention.

Broader Implications and Concerns

• ⚠️ This case raises concerns about a potential slippery slope, where individuals, particularly international students, could be targeted based on broad interpretations of US foreign policy interests.
• 🌍 International students on campuses are reportedly very scared and worried about potential detentions under this broad law.
• 🏛️ The legal proceedings, including Mahmud Khalil's habeas petition, will ultimately reflect how the government utilizes this deportation provision.