Brown University doctor deported despite valid visa, court order

Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a kidney transplant doctor at Brown University, was detained and deported from Boston Logan Airport despite holding a valid H-1B visa and a federal court order to prevent her removal. She was returning from Lebanon after visiting family when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials disregarded the judge's directive, which required a 48-hour notice before any deportation. Her attorney and family claim she was detained without justification and denied access to legal counsel while held for over 36 hours. Following her deportation to Lebanon, a federal judge demanded explanations from Customs and Border Protection regarding the violation of his order. A rally in support of Alawieh is scheduled at the Rhode Island State House, highlighting concerns over her treatment and the broader implications for immigrant rights. The case has sparked outrage among her colleagues and supporters, calling attention to the discrepancies in immigration enforcement practices.