A Georgetown University researcher was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 17 outside his home in Virginia.
Details of the Detention
- Name: Badar Khan Suri
- Position: Research associate at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology
- Current Status: Held without bond pending deportation proceedings
ICE claims that Suri poses a flight risk due to:
- Previous international travel
- Connections in Pakistan that could facilitate his departure if released on bail
Additionally, ICE alleges that Suri poses a threat to national security because of his alleged ties to Hamas through his wife, Mapheze Saleh.
Background on Mapheze Saleh
- Citizenship: American citizen
- Family Connection: Her father was an adviser to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh before being killed last summer.
It is important to note that there is no evidence suggesting that Suri himself supports Hamas or has expressed sympathetic views towards the organization.
ICE’s Justification
Documents obtained by The Intercept indicate that ICE deemed Suri a flight risk based on:
- Previous international travel
- Connections with individuals from Pakistan
The agency also stated that he poses a "threat to national security" due to alleged ties with Hamas through his wife.
Judicial Ruling
Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles ruled against ICE’s request for continued detention during a video conference hearing earlier this week. Key points from her ruling include:
- Acknowledgment of ICE’s concerns regarding connections to individuals accused of supporting terrorism.
- Lack of sufficient evidence linking Suri directly or indirectly to such activities.
- Emphasis that references during the hearings were limited to familial relationships, not any statements made by Suri in support of Hamas.
Legal Representation
Suri’s lawyer informed NBC News that they are working closely with immigration authorities but have yet to receive information about specific charges or when Suri will appear before an immigration judge again.
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