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Georgetown scholar detained for pro-Palestinian speech wins appeal, ICE re-detention rejected

Jul 24, 2026·Location: Richmond, VA

Country of origin: India

Georgetown scholar detained for pro-Palestinian speech wins appeal, ICE re-detention rejected
Photo via ACLU

Dr. Badar Khan Suri, an Indian postdoctoral fellow and peace scholar at Georgetown University, was arrested without a warrant by ICE agents in March 2025 after expressing pro-Palestinian views on social media. He was held in multiple detention facilities for nearly six weeks and subjected to conditions including denial of religious accommodations. A federal court ordered his release on bail. The Trump administration attempted to re-detain him, arguing federal courts lacked jurisdiction to review his case. In July 2026, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the administration's re-detention attempt, upholding habeas corpus protections that allow immigrants to challenge their detention in federal court.

Timeline

Jul 24, 2026—Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Trump administration's re-detention attempt, upholding habeas corpus protections for immigrants in detention
Mar 16, 2026—Suri returned to Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals as Trump administration sought to re-detain him, arguing federal courts lacked jurisdiction
Apr 2025—Federal court ordered Suri's release on bail after nearly six weeks in detention
Mar 2025—Dr. Badar Khan Suri arrested without warrant by ICE agents after expressing pro-Palestinian views on social media; held in multiple detention facilities
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