Case: Suri v. Trump

1:25-cv-00480 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Filed Date: March 18, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This case challenges the federal government detention and attempted deportation of a Georgetown University researcher and Indian national who was in the United States on a student visa. On March 18, 2025, he filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. He alleged that his detention and attempted deportation constituted unlawful punishment for the Palestinian heritage of his wife, who was a United States citizen. The petitio…

This case challenges the federal government detention and attempted deportation of a Georgetown University researcher and Indian national who was in the United States on a student visa. On March 18, 2025, he filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. He alleged that his detention and attempted deportation constituted unlawful punishment for the Palestinian heritage of his wife, who was a United States citizen. The petition for habeas corpus is not yet publicly available. 

This case stems from the arrest of Petitioner Dr. Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown professor and postdoctoral fellow who was arrested on his way home from a Ramadan meal celebration on March 17. Over the following 72 hours, Petitioner was transferred from his home state of Virginia to five different ICE facilities across three states (ACLU of Virginia). Represented by the ACLU of Virginia, the Center for Constitutional Rights, HMA Law, and the Immigrant & Non-Citizen Rights Clinic at CUNY School of Law, Petitioner alleged that he was arrested for his social media posts, which showed support for Gaza, and his wife's Palestinian heritage (AP News). Petitioner argued that his arrest amounted to a violation of the Due Process Clause and the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Petitioner sought an order barring the administration from removing him from the U.S. pending the case’s consideration, and that he be immediately returned to Virginia and released to his family (Khan Suri v. Trump, ACLU of Virginia). 

The case was assigned to District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles and US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter. 

In response, Tricia McLaughlin, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, posted on X about the case, alleging that Petitioner was "actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media" and had ties to known or suspected terrorists (Tricia McLaughlin on X). 

On March 20, the court ordered that the petitioner not be removed from the country unless the court issues an alternative order. The same day, Petitioner filed a motion to compel Respondents to return him to the Eastern District of Virginia. 

On April 1, Respondents filed a motion to dismiss and a motion to transfer. Specifically, Respondents alleged that because Petitioner was no longer in the Eastern District of Virginia, the case should be dismissed. In the alternative, Respondents filed a motion to transfer the case to the Northern District of Texas, where Petitioner was being held (Georgetown Voice). 

Petitioner filed an amended petition for writ of habeas corpus; however, this amended petition is not publicly available at this time. 

A hearing on pending motions is set for May 1. 

This case is ongoing. 

Summary Authors

Madilynn O'Hara (4/24/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69755722/parties/suri-v-trump/


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Documents in the Clearinghouse

No documents yet available via the Clearinghouse.

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69755722/suri-v-trump/

Last updated April 25, 2025, 2:56 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

PETITION for Writ of Habeas Corpus ( Filing fee $ 5 receipt number AVAEDC-10069292.), filed by Badar Khan Suri. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Proposed Order)(Ahmad, Hassan) (Additional attachment(s) added on 3/20/2025: # 3 Prisoner Data Sheet) (swil, ). (Entered: 03/18/2025)

3 Prisoner Data Sheet

View on RECAP

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER

Initial Case Assignment

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER

Initial Case Assignment to District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles and US Magistrate Judge William B. Porter. (swil)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

PACER
2

NOTICE of Appearance by Sophia Leticia Gregg on behalf of Badar Khan Suri (Gregg, Sophia) (Entered: 03/20/2025)

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

PACER
3

NOTICE of Appearance by Vishal Mahendra Agraharkar on behalf of Badar Khan Suri (Agraharkar, Vishal) (Entered: 03/20/2025)

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

PACER
4

NOTICE of Appearance by Eden Brooke Heilman on behalf of Badar Khan Suri (Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 03/20/2025)

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

PACER
5

MOTION to compel respondents to return petitioner to this district by Badar Khan Suri. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 03/20/2025)

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

PACER
6

Memorandum in Support re 5 MOTION to compel respondents to return petitioner to this district filed by Badar Khan Suri. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 03/20/2025)

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

PACER
7

ORDER that Petitioner shall not be removed from the United States unless and until the Court issues a contrary order. 28 U.S.C. § 1651; F.T.C. v. Dean Foods Co., 384 U.S. 597, 603 (1966) ("The All Writs Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1651(a), empowers the federal courts to "issue all writs necessary or appropriate in aid of their respective jurisdictions and agreeable to the usages and principles of law.") (see Order for details). Signed by District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles on 03/20/25. (pmil, ) (Entered: 03/20/2025)

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

RECAP
8

NOTICE of Appearance by Yamileth Davila on behalf of Pamela Bondi, Russell Hott, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump (Davila, Yamileth) (Entered: 03/20/2025)

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

PACER
9

NOTICE of Appearance by David J. Byerley on behalf of Pamela Bondi, Russell Hott, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump (Byerley, David) (Entered: 03/20/2025)

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

PACER
10

NOTICE of Appearance by Elizabeth Anne Spavins on behalf of Pamela Bondi, Russell Hott, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump (Spavins, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/20/2025)

March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

PACER
11

NOTICE of Appearance by Christian James Cooper on behalf of Pamela Bondi, Russell Hott, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump (Cooper, Christian) (Entered: 03/21/2025)

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

PACER
12

Proposed Summons re 1 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus (2241), by Badar Khan Suri (Gregg, Sophia) (Entered: 03/22/2025)

March 22, 2025

March 22, 2025

PACER
13

Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Nermeen Saba Arastu and Certification of Local Counsel Sophia Leticia Gregg Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-10078310. by Badar Khan Suri. (Gregg, Sophia) (Entered: 03/24/2025)

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

PACER
14

ORDERED that Petitioner's Motion to appear pro hac vice (Dkt. 13) is DENIED without prejudice to allow Petitioner's counsel time to submit a completed form (see Order for further details). Signed by District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles on 3/24/2025. (swil) (Entered: 03/24/2025)

March 24, 2025

March 24, 2025

RECAP
15

Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Nermeen Saba Arastu and Certification of Local Counsel Sophia Leticia Gregg by Badar Khan Suri. (Gregg, Sophia) (Entered: 03/25/2025)

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

PACER
16

ORDER that Respondent's are DIRECTED to file a response to Petitioner's 5 MOTION to compel respondents to return petitioner to this district on or before close of business on 04/01/2025. Signed by District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles on 03/25/25. (pmil, ) (Entered: 03/25/2025)

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

RECAP
17

ORDER granting 15 Motion for Pro hac vice Appointed Nermeen Saba Arastu for Badar Khan Suri. Signed by District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles on 3/25/2025. (swil) (Entered: 03/25/2025)

March 25, 2025

March 25, 2025

RECAP
18

NOTICE of Appearance by Geri Greenspan on behalf of Badar Khan Suri (Greenspan, Geri) (Entered: 03/27/2025)

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

PACER
19

Notice of Hearing Date re 5 MOTION to compel respondents to return petitioner to this district (Gregg, Sophia) (Entered: 03/27/2025)

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

PACER

Notice of Correction in re 19 Notice of Hearing Date. The filing user has been notified to refile the notice of hearing which requests a Thursday date. (triv)

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

PACER
20

MOTION for Release on Bond by Badar Khan Suri. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 03/27/2025)

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

PACER
21

Memorandum in Support re 20 MOTION for Release on Bond filed by Badar Khan Suri. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3)(Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 03/27/2025)

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

PACER
22

Consent MOTION to Expedite Briefing and Consideration by Badar Khan Suri. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 03/28/2025)

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

PACER
23

ORDER that the parties' 22 Consent Motion for Expedited Briefing and Consideration is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part; Respondents file their responsive filing to Petitioner's 20 Motion for Release on Bond on or before the close of business on 04/03/2025; Petitioner file his reply briefs to Respondent's filings to Petitioner's 20 Motion for Release on Bond and Petitioner's 5 Motion to Compel Respondents to Return Petitioner to this District on or before the close of business on 04/08/2025; the Court will conduct a hearing on Petitioner's 20 Motion for Release on Bond and Petitioner's 5 Motion to Compel Respondents to Return Petitioner to this District on 04/11/2025, at 11:00 a.m. Signed by District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles on 03/31/25. (pmil, ) (Entered: 03/31/2025)

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

RECAP

Set Deadlines as to 20 MOTION for Release on Bond, 5 MOTION to compel respondents to return petitioner to this district. Motion Hearing set for 4/11/2025 at 11:00 AM in Alexandria Courtroom 801 before District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles. (pmil, )

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

PACER
24

MOTION to Dismiss by Pamela Bondi, Russell Hott, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump. (Spavins, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
25

MOTION to Transfer Case by Pamela Bondi, Russell Hott, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump. (Spavins, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
26

Memorandum in Support re 24 MOTION to Dismiss, 25 MOTION to Transfer Case filed by Pamela Bondi, Russell Hott, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Spavins, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
27

Notice of Hearing Date set for May 1, 2025 re 24 MOTION to Dismiss, 25 MOTION to Transfer Case (Spavins, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
28

Opposition to 5 MOTION to compel respondents to return petitioner to this district filed by Pamela Bondi, Russell Hott, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Spavins, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER

Motion Hearing set for 5/1/2025 at 10:00 AM in Alexandria Courtroom 801 before District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles as to 24 MOTION to Dismiss and 25 MOTION to Transfer Case. (jlan)

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

PACER
29

RESPONSE in Opposition re 20 MOTION for Release on Bond filed by Pamela Bondi, Russell Hott, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump. (Spavins, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/03/2025)

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

PACER
30

Declaration re 29 Response in Opposition to Motion of Yousuf Khan (April 3, 2025) by Pamela Bondi, Jeffrey Crawford, Russell Hott, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump. (Byerley, David) (Entered: 04/03/2025)

April 3, 2025

April 3, 2025

PACER
31

ORDERED that Petitioners are DIRECTED to address Respondents' jurisdictionalarguments in their replies to Respondents' oppositions (see Order for further details). Signed by District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles on 4/4/2025. (swil) (Entered: 04/04/2025)

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

RECAP
32

MOTION To Modify Briefing and Hearing Schedule re 31 Order by Badar Khan Suri. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Greenspan, Geri) (Entered: 04/07/2025)

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER
33

ORDERED that Petitioner's Motion to Amend Briefing and Hearing Schedule (Dkt. 32) is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part; it is further ORDERED that Petitioner will respond to Respondents' Motion to Dismiss (Dkt. 24) and Motion to Transfer (Dkt. 25) on or before the close of business on April 15, 2025, and Respondents will file any reply on or before the close of business on April 21, 2025; it is further ORDERED that the hearing on Petitioner's Motion to Compel Respondents to Return Petitioner to this District (Dkt. 28) and Motion for Release on Bond (Dkt. 29) currently scheduled for April 11, 2025, is TERMINATED; and it is further ORDERED that the Court will conduct a hearing on Petitioner's Motion to Compel Respondents to Return Petitioner to this District (Dkt. 5), Petitioner's Motion for Release on Bond (Dkt. 20), Respondents' Motion to Dismiss (Dkt. 24), and Respondents' Motion to Transfer (Dkt. 25) on May 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Signed by District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles on 04/07/2025. (jlan) (Entered: 04/07/2025)

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

RECAP

Motion Hearing set for 5/1/2025 at 01:00 PM in Alexandria Courtroom 801 before District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles as to 5 MOTION to compel respondents to return petitioner to this district, 20 MOTION for Release on Bond, 24 MOTION to Dismiss and 25 MOTION to Transfer Case. (jlan)

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

PACER
34

AMENDED Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus and Complaint against Pamela Bondi, Jeffrey Crawford, Russell Hott, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, filed by Badar Khan Suri.(Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

PACER
35

Reply to 28 Opposition, 5 MOTION to compel respondents to return petitioner to this district filed by Badar Khan Suri. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

PACER
36

Reply to 29 Response in Opposition to Motion to Release on Bond filed by Badar Khan Suri. (Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

PACER
37

Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Diala Shamas and Certification of Local Counsel Eden Heilman Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-10116003. by Badar Khan Suri. (Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

PACER
38

MOTION to Amend/Correct 37 Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Diala Shamas and Certification of Local Counsel Eden Heilman Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-10116003. by Badar Khan Suri. (Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

PACER
39

Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Astha Sharma Pokharel and Certification of Local Counsel Eden Heilman Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-10116053. by Badar Khan Suri. (Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

PACER
40

Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Baher Azmy and Certification of Local Counsel Eden Heilman Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-10116061. by Badar Khan Suri. (Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

PACER
41

Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Jessica Myers Vosburgh and Certification of Local Counsel Eden Heilman Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-10116068. by Badar Khan Suri. (Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

PACER
42

ORDER granting 38 Motion for Pro hac vice. Appointed Diana Shamas for Badar Khan Suri. Signed by District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles on 4/11/2025. (kgall) (Entered: 04/11/2025)

April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025

RECAP
43

ORDER granting 39 Motion for Pro hac vice. Appointed Astha S Pokharel for Badar Khan Suri. Signed by District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles on 4/11/2025. (kgall) (Entered: 04/11/2025)

April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025

PACER
44

ORDER granting 40 Motion for Pro hac vice. Appointed Baher Azmy for Badar Khan Suri. Signed by District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles on 4/11/2025. (kgall) (Entered: 04/11/2025)

April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025

PACER
45

ORDER granting 41 Motion for Pro hac vice. Appointed Jessica M Vosburgh for Badar Khan Suri. Signed by District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles on 4/11/2025. (kgall) (Entered: 04/11/2025)

April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025

PACER
46

Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Samah Sisay and Certification of Local Counsel Eden Heilman Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-10120606. by Badar Khan Suri. (Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 04/14/2025)

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025

PACER
47

Memorandum in Opposition re 24 MOTION to Dismiss, 25 MOTION to Transfer Case filed by Badar Khan Suri. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 04/15/2025)

1 Exhibit 1

View on PACER

2 Exhibit 2

View on PACER

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

PACER
48

ORDER granting 46 Motion for Pro hac vice Appointed Samah Sissay for Badar Khan Suri. Signed by District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles on 4/21/2025. (swil) (Entered: 04/21/2025)

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

PACER
49

REPLY to Response to Motion re 24 MOTION to Dismiss, 25 MOTION to Transfer Case filed by Pamela Bondi, Russell Hott, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Spavins, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/21/2025)

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

PACER
50

NOTICE by Badar Khan Suri of Supplemental Authority (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ozturk Order 4.18.2025)(Heilman, Eden) (Entered: 04/22/2025)

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Virginia

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Trump 1.0 & 2.0 Immigration Enforcement Order Challenges

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government (Immigration Enforcement)

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government (Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Accessibility (DEIA) and/or Antisemitism)

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 18, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Indian national and Georgetown professor

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR)

ACLU Affiliates (any)

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

President of the United States, Donald Trump, Federal

Field Office Director of Washington, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal

Warden of Farmville Detention Center, Federal

Acting Director, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal

Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Federal

Secretary of State, Federal

Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice, Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Habeas Corpus, 28 U.S.C. §§ 2241-2253; 2254; 2255

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Due Process: Procedural Due Process

Due Process: Substantive Due Process

Freedom of speech/association

Equal Protection

Special Case Type(s):

Habeas

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

Habeas relief

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Issues

Discrimination Basis:

Immigration status

Immigration/Border:

Deportation - criteria

Deportation - judicial review

Deportation - procedure

Detention - criteria

Detention - procedures

Visas - procedures

Work authorization - criteria