Washington, March 20, 2025 — An Indian national, enrolled as a postdoctoral fellow in the United States, has been detained by US immigration authorities over alleged connections to Hamas terrorists, according to a media report. This development comes less than a week after a Columbia University student from India self-deported following similar allegations of supporting Hamas.

Detention and Allegations

The detained researcher, identified as Badar Khan Suri, is currently facing deportation proceedings. His lawyer, however, has denied all allegations, claiming that Suri is being unfairly targeted due to his wife’s Palestinian heritage.

Suri’s lawyer stated, “My client is being punished because of the Palestinian heritage of his wife, who is a US citizen, and because the government suspects that he and his wife oppose US foreign policy toward Israel.”

The lawyer further alleged that the US immigration authorities have not provided any credible evidence to substantiate the claims against Suri, arguing that the detention and possible deportation are part of a larger pattern of targeting individuals who express dissent against US foreign policy in the Middle East.

Connection to Recent Self-Deportation Incident

This incident closely follows the self-deportation of another Indian student, enrolled at Columbia University, who was forced to leave the US after facing allegations of supporting Hamas. The Columbia student, whose identity remains undisclosed, chose to leave the country amid mounting pressure and the threat of deportation.

Suri’s Legal Defense and Human Rights Concerns

Suri’s legal team has emphasized that their client has no involvement with Hamas or any terrorist organization. His attorney stressed that Suri’s academic work and personal associations have been wrongly construed as supporting anti-Israel activities, and that his detention is a violation of his civil and human rights.

“We are witnessing an alarming trend where immigrants and people of certain backgrounds are being targeted based on perceived political views,” the lawyer added.

US Government’s Stance on Hamas and Security Measures

The United States designates Hamas as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and has implemented strict measures to prevent any form of support, direct or indirect, to the group. In recent months, US authorities have intensified their scrutiny of individuals and organizations suspected of sympathizing with or supporting Hamas, especially following heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Concerns Over Increasing Deportations and Targeting of Immigrants

Civil rights organizations have raised concerns over the increasing number of deportations and targeting of immigrants based on alleged political affiliations. Critics argue that these actions infringe on free speech and academic freedom, while disproportionately affecting individuals of Middle Eastern and South Asian descent.

What Lies Ahead for Suri?

Suri’s legal team has filed an appeal against his detention and impending deportation, seeking a fair hearing to contest the allegations. Advocacy groups and legal experts continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need for transparency and due process in cases involving alleged ties to terrorist organizations.

Conclusion: Awaiting Legal Developments

As Suri awaits further legal proceedings, his case has sparked widespread debate on immigration policies, free speech, and national security concerns in the United States. With civil rights groups rallying behind his cause, the outcome of his case could have far-reaching implications for immigrants and scholars facing similar allegations in the future.

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