US judge blocks detention of British social media campaigner
A US judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s detention of British activist Imran Ahmed, who sued authorities over an entry ban alleging online censorship.
The founder of the Center to Combat Digital Hate is among five people denied US visas after the State Department accused them of trying to “force” tech platforms to censor free speech.
The move sparked a backlash from European leaders who defended the work of organizations that monitor online content.
Mr. Ahmed, a permanent resident of the United States, had warned that detention and possible deportation would separate him from his American wife and child.
He praised the judge’s decision, telling BBC News he “won’t be bullied”.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said online that the individuals were blocked due to concerns they were organizing efforts to pressure U.S. platforms to impose censorship.to punish American viewpoints they oppose“.
Mr. Ahmed filed a legal complaint against officials, including Rubio and U.S. Attorney Pamela Bondi, on Wednesday over the decision to sanction him.
In court documents seen by the BBC, US District Judge Vernon S Broderick said on Thursday he had granted Ahmed’s request for a temporary restraining order.
The judge also temporarily prevented authorities from detaining Mr. Ahmed before his case could be heard.
The BBC has contacted the Foreign Office and the White House for comment.
When contacted by AFP news agency, a State Department spokesman was quoted as saying: “The Supreme Court and Congress have repeatedly made clear that the United States is under no obligation to allow foreign aliens to come to or reside in our country.”
Mr Ahmed said: “I will not be bullied after my lifelong fight to protect children from the harms of social media and stop online antisemitism.”
His lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, said the speed of the judge’s decision was important.
“The federal government cannot deport a green card holder like Imran Ahmed, who has a wife and young American child, just because they don’t like what he has to say,” he said.
In 2023, Ahmed’s hub was sued by Elon Musk’s social media company after it reported an increase in hate speech on the platform since the billionaire took over the firm, now called X.
The case was rejected, but the appeal process continues.
