A United States federal judge has issued a temporary order preventing authorities from detaining or deporting a prominent British anti-disinformation campaigner, in a case that underscores escalating transatlantic tensions over online speech and censorship.
Legal Battle Over "Unconstitutional" Removal
Imran Ahmed, the chief executive of the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), filed a legal complaint on Thursday against senior Trump administration allies. The complaint names Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Attorney General Pam Bondi, aiming to halt what Ahmed argues would be an unconstitutional arrest and removal from the United States.
Ahmed, who lives lawfully in Washington DC with his American wife and daughter, is a friend of Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. The court documents reveal that Judge Vernon S Broderick of the Southern District of New York granted Ahmed's request for a temporary restraining order, blocking any move to remove him before his case can be properly heard.
Part of a Wider Crackdown on European Figures
Ahmed's case is not isolated. He is one of five European nationals targeted by the US State Department in the past week. These individuals have been accused of leading coordinated efforts to pressure technology companies into censoring or suppressing American viewpoints online.
Marco Rubio accused the group, which includes former EU commissioner Thierry Breton, of orchestrating "organised efforts to coerce American platforms to censor, demonetise and suppress American viewpoints they oppose." Sarah Rogers, a State Department official, reinforced this stance on X, stating: "Our message is clear: if you spend your career fomenting censorship of American speech, you’re unwelcome on American soil."
Backlash from Tech Titans and Wider Implications
The CCDH has previously drawn the ire of Elon Musk, owner of the X platform, for its reports detailing a rise in hate speech and extremist content following his takeover. Musk attempted to sue the CCDH last year, later labelling it a "criminal organisation."
Campaigners view these sanctions as a direct attack on European regulations designed to combat hate speech and misinformation. There are concerns that a future Trump administration could further target the UK government if it continues to advocate for stricter tech regulation.
In a statement, Ahmed defended his work: "My life’s work is to protect children from the dangers of unregulated social media and AI and fight the spread of antisemitism online... I am proud to call the United States my home." His lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, called the State Department's actions "unjustified and blatantly unconstitutional."
Another UK-based figure sanctioned alongside Ahmed is Clare Melford of the Global Disinformation Index (GDI), an organisation Musk has also sought to shut down. The British government, while acknowledging every country's right to set visa rules, stated its support for "laws and institutions which are working to keep the internet free from the most harmful content."
