US Judge Grants Restraining Order Blocking Detention of British Activist Imran Ahmed
US District Judge Vernon S. Broderick granted a temporary restraining order preventing the detention of Imran Ahmed, a British activist and US permanent resident, while his case proceeds.
Ahmed, who is the founder of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, was among five people denied US visas after the State Department accused them of attempting to coerce technology platforms to censor free speech.
Ahmed warned that detention would separate him from his American wife and child.
He filed a legal complaint against Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Attorney General Pamela Bondi over the visa sanctioning decision.
Rubio stated that the visa blocks were due to concerns that the individuals sought to pressure platforms to censor and punish American viewpoints they oppose.
Ahmed’s lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, argued that the ruling demonstrates the government cannot deport a green-card holder simply for disagreeing with officials.
In 2023, Ahmed’s centre was sued by Elon Musk’s X platform over reporting on hate speech; the case was dismissed but an appeal is pending.
A spokesperson from the State Department said the United States is under no obligation to allow foreign nationals to come to or reside in the country.
