Indian Academic Badar Khan Suri Faces Deportation from US Over Alleged Hamas Ties
Georgetown University researcher Badar Khan Suri, an Indian national, has been detained by US immigration authorities over alleged ties to Hamas, marking a new case in the Trump administration’s crackdown on campus activists.
Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, was detained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 17, 2025. The move aligns with the Trump administration’s heightened scrutiny of activists, particularly those linked to pro-Palestinian causes on US campuses.
The DHS accused Suri of “actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media.” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Suri has close connections to a known or suspected terrorist, who is a senior advisor to Hamas,” citing foreign policy concerns for his deportation.
Suri, in the US on a student visa, had his visa revoked following a determination by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 15, 2025. Under INA section 237(a)(4)(C)(i), his activities were deemed a threat to US foreign policy, triggering deportation proceedings.
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Georgetown University clarified that Suri was pursuing doctoral research on peacebuilding in Iraq and Afghanistan. A spokesperson said, “We are not aware of him engaging in any illegal activity, and we have not received a reason for his detention. We expect the legal system to adjudicate this case fairly.”
Suri’s lawyer argued that the detention stems from his wife’s Palestinian origins, claiming he has no criminal record. The plea, reported by Politico, suggests Suri is being unfairly targeted due to his spouse’s background rather than evidence of wrongdoing.
This case follows the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and green card holder, detained for his role in 2024 pro-Palestinian protests. Khalil’s case was the first known deportation effort tied to such activism under Trump’s administration.
Suri, married to a US citizen, awaits an immigration court date while his legal team challenges the detention. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how the US handles international students and activists in similar situations.