Judge Blocks Detention of UK Anti-Disinformation Activist Imran Ahmed Amid U.S. Entry Ban Dispute

A U.S. federal judge has temporarily barred the Trump administration from detaining British anti-disinformation campaigner Imran Ahmed, following a lawsuit challenging an entry ban imposed over what Washington claims is involvement in online censorship. Ahmed, a 47-year-old U.S. permanent resident and CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, was among five Europeans — including former EU commissioner Thierry Breton — hit with visa restrictions this week. The administration argued their activities undermined free speech and unfairly targeted major U.S. tech firms, a move that drew sharp criticism from European governments who maintain such oversight makes digital spaces safer.

Fearing imminent deportation that could separate him from his U.S.-citizen wife and child, Ahmed sued Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other officials, alleging violations of his free-speech and due-process rights. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick issued a temporary restraining order preventing authorities from arresting, detaining or transferring Ahmed until his case is heard, and scheduled a conference for December 29. In a statement, Ahmed said he was grateful for the legal system’s checks and balances and vowed to continue his work combating online harms and antisemitism.

The State Department, responding to questions about the case, said U.S. law makes clear the country is not obligated to admit or host foreign nationals, even permanent residents. The dispute comes amid broader tensions over immigration enforcement involving green-card holders; earlier this year, another activist, Mahmoud Khalil, faced deportation proceedings linked to information on his residency application, though judges have issued orders blocking his removal pending appeal.

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