US judge dismisses deportation lawsuit by activist Imran Ahmed

A federal judge in Manhattan has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Imran Ahmed, a British anti-disinformation campaigner, which challenged the Trump administration’s authority to detain and deport him. U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska stated that while Ahmed may have valid causes of action, a recent appellate court ruling prevents her from hearing his free speech and due process claims under the U.S. Constitution due to a lack of jurisdiction.

Ahmed, the CEO of the Washington-based Center for Countering Digital Hate, is a legal permanent resident whose visa and entry status were targeted by Washington. The administration accused Ahmed and several other Europeans of engaging in online censorship or unfairly targeting U.S. tech companies with regulation.

Although the ruling allows for the possibility of Ahmed's detention, Judge Preska extended a previous restraining order for five business days to provide him time to file an appeal. The case is part of a broader legal debate regarding the administration's immigration policies and the use of visa revocations against foreign nationals.