Government questioned for transferring Badar Khan Suri across multiple states amid deportation stay
A US federal judge has ordered the government to provide immediate answers concerning the detention and transfer of Indian academic Dr. Badar Khan Suri, whose deportation has been temporarily blocked. The case has sparked widespread concern and public protests, with critics raising alarms over due process and civil liberties, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
“Is this normal?” judge questions government over midnight transfer of georgetown scholar.
Federal Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles, presiding in Virginia, demanded explanations from immigration authorities about why Dr. Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, was moved from a Virginia detention center to Louisiana, and later to Texas, following his arrest in March. The judge raised concerns about the government’s justification—alleged overcrowding—pointing out the academic had a private room in Virginia but was later relegated to a cot in a TV room in Texas. “Are they moved like that in the middle of the night? Is that normal?” she asked pointedly.
Government alleges Hamas links; lawyers and supporters cry foul
Suri’s deportation is being pursued over alleged links to Hamas, which the US designates a terrorist organization. Homeland Security officials claim he promoted Hamas propaganda and antisemitism on social media. His connection stems in part from his marriage to Mapheze Saleh, a US citizen whose father was an adviser to the Hamas-run administration in Gaza. Suri, who holds a PhD from Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi, taught a course on “Majoritarianism and Minority Rights in South Asia” at Georgetown University.
As the government scrambles to justify its actions, pressure mounts on officials to ensure due process and transparency in handling the high-profile case
His legal team is fighting to have him returned to Virginia, fearing a deportation ruling from more conservative courts in Texas, where he is now held. Meanwhile, Judge Giles is considering their appeal and has stayed his deportation until further clarity.
Wave of support builds as political and religious leaders rally behind suri.
Democratic Representative Don Beyer called the situation “Kafkaesque” during a protest in Alexandria, criticizing the government’s silence and lack of charges. Prominent Jewish leaders have also voiced support, defending Suri’s academic freedom and condemning his detention. A similar case in Vermont saw a Palestinian student granted release, raising questions about selective enforcement in deportation cases.
