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Reported: CBP detained lawyer for University of Michigan student protestor and searched phone contacts list

  1. Original Date Announced

    April 7, 2025

    The Detroit Free Press reports that Amir Makled -- an American citizen and attorney for a University of Michigan student criminally charged in relation to pro-Palestinian demonstrations -- was detained by CBP at the Detroit Airport on April 6, 2025, while returning to the country. According to Makled, he was taken to secondary screening in a "small interrogation room" and questioned by CBP's "Tactical Terrorism Response Team." A CBP officer reportedly told Makled, "[w]e know you're a lawyer. We know you take on big cases." The agents wanted to confiscate Makled's phone, but he refused to turn it over "because it contained privileged information with all of his clients." Eventually, Makled agreed to let the agents see his contact list and was allowed to leave.

    CBP declined to give a reason for interrogating him apart from searching his phone, and issued a statement: "Claims that CBP is searching more electronic media due to the administration change are false. CBP’s search numbers are consistent with increases since 2021, and less than 0.1% of travelers have their devices searched."

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    2025.04.07 Lawyer for U-M protester detained at airport after spring break trip with family - Detroit Free Press

Current Status

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