Imran Ahmed, head of the UK-based Center for Countering Digital Hate with US permanent residency, has sued the US government over entry bans imposed last week on him and four other Europeans combating online hate, including HateAid leaders. A federal judge issued a temporary injunction blocking his arrest or deportation.
Following the US State Department's announcement on December 24 of entry bans targeting European activists accused of ties to a 'global censorship complex,' Imran Ahmed—who leads the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) in London and Washington, D.C.—filed a lawsuit challenging his deportation. Ahmed stated: "I am fighting against my unlawful deportation from my home country."
The suit names Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Under Secretary Sarah Rogers, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The government has labeled Ahmed and others—British activist Clare Melford (Global Disinformation Index), HateAid directors Anna-Lena von Hodenberg and Josephine Ballon, and former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton—as 'radical activists' without evidence. Rogers previously called Ahmed a 'key accomplice' in efforts against US citizens.
German officials criticized the bans: Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) called them 'unacceptable,' while Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) pledged support, rejecting censorship claims. The measures relate to EU enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) against platforms like X, which recently received a 120 million euro fine.
A federal judge granted a temporary injunction against Ahmed's arrest or deportation, with a hearing set for Monday. The State Department has not commented.
