-
“They made a sub-human out of me,” says Suri
-
Released after over a month in ICE custody, Khan Suri says he has no regrets about supporting Palestine
Badar Khan Suri, an Indian-origin postdoctoral scholar and professor at Georgetown University, has spoken out after spending more than a month in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. In an interview with NBC News following his release, Suri described his detention as “Kafkaesque,” saying, “They made a sub-human out of me.” Shackled at his wrists, ankles, and waist, he said he didn’t see his shadow for over a week. “There was no charge, there was nothing.” , reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Suri was arrested due to his family ties to his father-in-law Ahmed Yousef, a former adviser to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Though his family lives in India, Suri had traveled to Gaza for his wedding. Authorities accused him of promoting Hamas propaganda and antisemitism online — allegations Suri denied.
Despite being detained without charges, Khan Suri said he would never regret supporting Palestine or marrying a Palestinian woman.
Judge Patricia Giles of the Eastern District of Virginia ruled that Suri’s detention violated his First and Fifth Amendment rights — freedom of speech and due process. The court found no evidence that Suri posed a national security or flight risk.
Speaking emotionally about his children, Suri said, “My eldest son is only nine. He knew where I was. He was crying. My wife told me he needed mental health support.” He added, “There is madness everywhere, but it shouldn’t be in the United States of America. This is a bastion of hope.”
Suri’s wife, Mapheze Saleh, said he remained firm in his convictions. “If my suffering in the detention center is because I married a Palestinian and spoke out against the genocide in Gaza, then I should wear it as a badge of honor,” he told her.