Georgetown University Researcher Detained, Faces Deportation Over Alleged Hamas Propaganda

Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University from India, was detained by federal immigration authorities on allegations of spreading propaganda for Hamas. His visa was revoked by the Department of Homeland Security, which stated that Suri's presence posed a threat to U.S. foreign policy. His arrest is part of a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism and follows the attempted deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student involved in anti-Israel protests. Suri's lawyer contends that he has no criminal record and argues that the detention is politically motivated, linked to his wife's Palestinian heritage. Georgetown University expressed unawareness of any misconduct by Suri, who has been recognized for his academic work in peace and conflict studies. The case highlights rising tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and political dissent in the context of U.S. foreign policy.