Indian student at Georgetown held in US for alleged Hamas propaganda, antisemitic posts
Federal agents arrested Badar Khan Suri, an Indian student at Georgetown University, outside his home in Rosslyn, Virginia, on Monday night. Authorities accused him of spreading Hamas propaganda and antisemitism on social media. The Trump administration plans to deport him, calling him a threat to US foreign policy.
Suri remains in detention in Alexandria, Louisiana, awaiting his immigration court hearing. His lawyer confirmed his arrest and criticized the lack of evidence. The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement but did not provide proof of the allegations. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller shared the statement, reinforcing the administration’s stance.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio ruled that Suri’s actions made him deportable. Georgetown University, however, stated it had no knowledge of his involvement in illegal activities. A university spokesperson confirmed Suri held a student visa and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding.
Suri is married to Mapheze Saleh, a US citizen from Gaza. Saleh has written for Al Jazeera and Palestinian media. She previously worked with the Palestinian foreign ministry. Georgetown University’s website shows that Suri teaches a class on majoritarianism and minority rights in South Asia. He earned a PhD in peace and conflict studies from an Indian university.
The Trump administration continues cracking down on antisemitism, linking it to pro-Palestinian protests. Officials argue that some demonstrators deny Israel’s right to self-defense and harass Jewish students. The White House has launched investigations into several universities, including Columbia University and UC Berkeley, over alleged failures to protect Jewish students.
Earlier this month, federal agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student, for participating in pro-Palestinian protests. Trump claimed, without evidence, that Khalil supported Hamas. Khalil’s lawyers deny the allegations and are fighting his deportation in court.
The crackdown has sparked debate over free speech and academic freedom. Critics argue that the administration is targeting dissenting voices. Supporters insist it is necessary to combat rising antisemitism. Suri’s case now adds to the growing controversy.
