Georgetown Doctoral Student Arrested by ICE: Allegations of Spreading Hamas Propaganda Raise Concerns

A Georgetown University doctoral student was recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to allegations involving Hamas propaganda. Badar Khan Suri, an Indian national studying in the U.S., was accused of promoting antisemitism online.

According to a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official, Suri is believed to have connections to a senior Hamas advisor, although the official did not disclose names. This connection raised concerns regarding his presence in the U.S., prompting Secretary of State Marco Rubio to declare Suri "deportable" under the Immigration and Nationality Act on March 15. This law allows for the deportation of individuals whose activities might pose a risk to U.S. foreign policy.

A Georgetown spokesperson stated that Suri entered the U.S. on a visa for his research on peacebuilding in Iraq and Afghanistan. They mentioned that they had not seen any evidence of illegal actions and were unaware of the reasons for his detention.

This incident follows another case involving Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian advocate, who was also detained under similar circumstances regarding alleged Hamas support. Khalil has the opportunity to contest his detention.

Reactions to these arrests have sparked a discussion across social media, with people expressing a mix of outrage and support. Some believe that the government’s actions are necessary for national security, while others argue it infringes on academic freedom and free speech.

Rather than being isolated, these incidents reflect a growing concern regarding international students and supposed ties to extremist groups. Recent reports highlight that more than 150 international students have been arrested or detained in the U.S. in recent years under similar allegations, signaling a trend that raises questions about rights and protections for foreign nationals studying in America.

As tensions continue, the broader implications of these legal actions are still unfolding, prompting debates about national security, academic freedom, and the treatment of international students in the U.S.

For more details on this topic, you can visit the Department of Homeland Security for official statements and guidance on immigration matters.

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