Federal Judge Rules in Deportation Case of Georgetown Researcher

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — A federal judge has ruled that Badar Khan Suri‘s case must be heard in Virginia as he fights against deportation, a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding his detention. U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles ruled on Tuesday that Suri, a Georgetown University researcher, is likely to be returned from Texas amid allegations that he was wrongfully detained.

Suri, who arrived in the United States from India in late 2022 for a fellowship at Georgetown’s Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, was arrested on March 17 and sent to an immigration detention facility in Texas. His arrest occurred shortly after he filed a lawsuit against immigration officials, asserting that his detention was retaliatory due to his activism.

In her ruling, Judge Giles expressed concern that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may have expedited Suri’s transfer to prevent him from filing legal challenges in the correct jurisdiction. Suri’s attorneys argued that because he was initially detained in Virginia, his legal issues should be adjudicated there. The judge stated, “The facts before the Court today demand an exception to the district of confinement rule.”

During the proceedings, U.S. Justice Department attorney David Byerley claimed that the court would have to disregard jurisdiction issues to proceed in Virginia. He asserted that Suri’s location was unknown when his lawsuit was filed, minimizing the case’s chance of being heard there.

However, Suri’s family attests to his innocence, with his wife, Mapheze Saleh, stating in an email, “Badar has said many times that he does not support Hamas. He is deeply committed to peace and to the human dignity of each and every person in this world.” Saleh emphasizes their family’s experience with online racism linked to Suri’s activism.

On March 15, Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorized Suri’s deportation, citing allegations of spreading “Hamas propaganda.” These accusations stem from his social media presence, wherein Suri expressed support for Palestinian rights. His attorneys claim that his deportation is part of a broader effort to target students and activists who advocate for Palestine.

Judge Giles has scheduled a hearing for mid-May to discuss Suri’s potential return to Virginia. His next immigration court date is set for June.