A federal judge in the U.S. has temporarily blocked the detention of British social media activist Imran Ahmed. Ahmed challenged the government’s decision to revoke his visa. The ruling gives him time to defend his case in court and protect his rights as a permanent resident.
Visa Denial Draws International Attention
Ahmed, who founded the Center for Countering Digital Hate, was among five individuals recently denied U.S. visas. Officials had accused them of trying to influence tech companies to limit certain online content. The decision quickly drew criticism from European leaders, who praised the work of organizations that monitor harmful material on social media.
Concerns for Family
Ahmed had warned that detention or possible deportation would separate him from his American wife and young child. After the judge’s ruling, he welcomed the decision, saying it protected his ability to continue his work without intimidation.
Government Officials Respond
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the visa actions targeted individuals suspected of attempting to influence U.S.-based platforms to censor views they disagreed with. Ahmed rejected the accusations and filed a legal complaint against Rubio and U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi earlier this week.
U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick issued a temporary restraining order, preventing federal officials from detaining Ahmed while the court reviews his case. This ensures he can fully present his arguments in court.
The State Department and the White House were approached for comment. In a separate statement, a State Department spokesperson said U.S. law gives the government broad authority over who may enter or remain in the country.
Continuing the Fight for Digital Safety
Ahmed said he remains committed to protecting children online and combating antisemitism on social media. His attorney, Roberta Kaplan, highlighted the speed of the court’s ruling, noting that it underscores the protections afforded to permanent residents. Kaplan emphasized that the government cannot deport a green card holder who has close family ties in the U.S. simply because it disagrees with their advocacy work.
Previous Legal Challenges
In 2023, Ahmed’s organization faced a lawsuit from Elon Musk’s social media company after it released research showing a rise in hate speech following Musk’s takeover of the platform, now called X. However, the lawsuit was dismissed, and Ahmed’s team is pursuing an appeal.
