US Attorney Detained at Border, Phone Search Raises Political Reprisal Concerns
2025-04-10
Michigan-based attorney Amir Makled was detained by federal immigration agents upon returning from a family vacation. Agents demanded access to his phone, a request he refused. After a 90-minute ordeal, he was released without explanation. Makled believes his detainment is linked to his representation of a student charged in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest, potentially stemming from the Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestine visa holders. He sees the phone search as intimidation, aiming to discourage lawyers from taking on similar cases. However, the incident has garnered significant support and sparked widespread debate over government overreach.