A French scientist was denied entry into the U.S. after immigration officers discovered messages critical of the Trump administration on his phone. The scientist, employed by the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), was reportedly accused of “hateful and conspiratorial messages” and a potential FBI investigation, though charges were later dropped. The incident prompted France’s Minister of Higher Education and Research to publicly defend academic freedom and criticize recent cuts to scientific research in the U.S. US Customs and Border Protection stated that all arriving persons are subject to inspection and that such searches are standard procedure.
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Georgetown University researcher Badar Khan Suri, an Indian national on a student visa, was arrested by ICE and faces deportation due to alleged ties to a Hamas official and the dissemination of Hamas propaganda. A federal judge temporarily blocked his deportation following a habeas corpus filing that argued his detention violated due process and constituted viewpoint discrimination. Suri’s attorneys claim the arrest is based on online smear campaigns and his advocacy for Palestinian rights, while DHS cites a Secretary of State determination deeming him deportable. The case highlights concerns about the targeting of activists on college campuses and raises questions about free speech protections for non-citizens.
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The US deported a French scientist after immigration officials discovered text messages on his phone that were critical of Donald Trump. The officials, according to reports, deemed these messages potentially “terroristic,” leading to the scientist’s denial of entry and subsequent deportation. This incident raises serious concerns about freedom of speech and the potential for political persecution under the guise of national security.
This action appears to directly contradict the principles of free speech, a cornerstone of American democracy, and also undermines the rights of non-citizens. The fact that a scientist, visiting for a space conference, was subjected to such scrutiny based solely on his political views suggests a troubling level of overreach.… Continue reading
Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown University postdoctoral fellow and Indian national, was detained by federal immigration agents. The Department of Homeland Security alleges Suri’s social media activity constitutes Hamas propaganda and antisemitism, leading to a March 15th Secretary of State determination deeming him deportable. Suri’s lawyer contends his client is innocent and that the detention is politically motivated due to his pro-Palestinian views, filing a lawsuit for his release. Georgetown University asserts its unawareness of any illegal activity by Suri and supports his right to free inquiry.
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A North Dakota jury awarded Energy Transfer $660 million in its lawsuit against Greenpeace, finding the environmental group liable for defamation and other claims related to 2016-2017 Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Greenpeace denies the claims, asserting the lawsuit aims to suppress peaceful protest and free speech, a concern echoed by constitutional rights experts. The verdict, which Greenpeace plans to appeal, raises significant concerns about the chilling effect on activism and the fairness of the trial given the jury’s composition and alleged bias. The case is viewed by many as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), intended to silence critics.
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A French researcher, visiting the U.S. for a conference, was denied entry and subsequently deported after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) allegedly found concerning messages on his phone. French officials expressed serious concern, citing the researcher’s affiliation with the CNRS and the seemingly arbitrary nature of the expulsion. Conflicting reports suggest the messages were characterized as either expressing personal opinions critical of Trump administration policies or as “hate and conspiracy messages,” even potentially involving terrorism accusations, though these charges were later dropped. The researcher’s electronic devices were seized prior to his deportation.
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A lawsuit filed by a Cornell professor and two students, with the support of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), alleges that the Trump administration unconstitutionally suppressed free speech through executive orders. The plaintiffs claim these orders, enforced via deportation and other means, target individuals expressing pro-Palestinian views, citing the detainment of a Columbia University student as an example. This chilling effect has led plaintiffs to self-censor and limit public engagement for fear of government retaliation. The ADC seeks a temporary restraining order to block enforcement of the relevant executive orders, arguing they violate the First and Fifth Amendments.
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An Idaho sixth-grade teacher, Sarah Inama, faces potential job loss for refusing to remove classroom posters promoting inclusivity. The West Ada School District claims the posters violate a policy requiring content-neutral classroom decorations, citing concerns about differing opinions. Inama argues the posters, stating “Everyone is welcome here,” are essential to a positive learning environment and that the district’s interpretation is inherently racist. Despite warnings and a meeting with district officials, Inama remains defiant, supported by widespread community backing. The district maintains its policy aims for fairness and a distraction-free environment, not to limit free speech.
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Elon Musk shared, then removed a post that minimized the actions of dictators responsible for genocide. This action, swiftly followed by the removal of the post, has sparked considerable outrage and discussion online. The fleeting nature of the post only amplified the controversy, leaving many to speculate on the reasons behind both its publication and subsequent deletion.
Elon Musk shared, then removed a post that attempted to justify or excuse the atrocities committed by dictators. The initial posting suggests a perspective that downplayed the severity of genocide, causing widespread condemnation. The act of sharing such a post, even briefly, highlights the significant power wielded by influential figures like Musk and the potential for misuse of that power to disseminate potentially harmful ideologies.… Continue reading
The Justice Department is investigating Columbia University for allegedly harboring undocumented immigrants, following searches of university residences and the deportation of a student whose visa was revoked. The investigation stems from protests at the university last year and is linked to the administration’s broader crackdown on individuals involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. This action is part of the President’s stated mission to combat antisemitism, and includes the revocation of federal funding to the university. Two individuals connected to the protests, a doctoral student and a Palestinian woman, have been deported or arrested on immigration charges.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood