An Indian postdoctoral researcher at Georgetown University, known for his pro-Palestinian stance, has been detained by U.S. authorities and is facing deportation as part of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Badar Khan Suri, a fellow at Georgetown’s Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, has been accused of “promoting Hamas propaganda and antisemitism,” according to Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Read more: Columbia University Issues Harsh Punishments for Pro-Palestine Protesters
McLaughlin stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Suri has ties to a known or suspected terrorist who serves as a senior advisor to Hamas. She further claimed that on March 15, 2025, the U.S. Secretary of State determined that Suri’s actions justified deportation under section 237(a)(4)(C)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. However, no concrete evidence supporting these claims has been made public.
Suri is currently being held at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center at Alexandria International Airport in Louisiana, according to online records.
His attorney, Ahmad Hassan, has filed a legal challenge against the detention at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Hassan has yet to issue a public statement on the case.
A spokesperson for Georgetown University told Al Jazeera that Suri was legally conducting doctoral research on peace-building efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“We are not aware of any illegal activity on his part and have not been given a reason for his detention,” the university representative stated. “Georgetown supports academic freedom, debate, and open discussion, even when topics are controversial or difficult. We expect the legal system to handle this matter fairly.”
Suri’s social media activity includes posts critical of Israel and in support of Palestinian causes. In June 2024, he accused India of aiding “genocide” after a report from the Palestinian-run Quds News Network claimed an Israeli missile bearing a “Made in India” label had been found in Gaza.
“From being an ally of Palestinians to enabling genocide—what a disgrace for ‘Made in India’ to be used for killing Palestinian children,” Suri wrote in a post.
In another post from October 2023, he suggested that some Indians support Israel not out of affinity but due to “hatred of Muslims.”
Suri’s arrest is part of broader actions taken by the Trump administration against pro-Palestinian activists in the U.S. Recently, Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil was also detained for participating in campus protests. However, a federal judge ruled that Khalil, a U.S. permanent resident, could continue challenging his deportation, citing constitutional protections for free speech and due process.
