Attorney Amir Makled’s routine return to the United States from a family vacation took an unexpected turn when he was detained at Detroit Metro airport. The questioning that followed led him to suspect his legal work could be the reason behind the scrutiny. Federal agents, however, maintained it was merely a standard procedure.
Makled, who represents Sammie Lewis—one of seven individuals charged with felonies related to a protest at the University of Michigan—was told his detention was procedural. However, he recalls agents mentioning his involvement in “higher profile cases,” specifically his defense of a University of Michigan protester. Details about the protest can be found here.
During the preliminary hearings, overseen by Ann Arbor Judge J. Cedric Simpson, the focus was on accusations of resisting arrest and trespassing during a May 21 police intervention at a pro-Palestine encampment. The demonstration aimed to press the university to divest from companies linked to Israel.
Makled recounted that airport officials requested access to his digital communications, including texts and emails. He refused, citing attorney-client privilege, but permitted a review of his phone’s contact list. Following a 90-minute detention, he was allowed to rejoin his family.
Makled believes his professional activities prompted the detention, a situation seemingly supported by the current political climate. A recent executive order under the Trump administration warns against legal professionals engaging in actions violating U.S. laws. Additionally, concerns of antisemitism on college campuses have been highlighted.
President Trump addressed this in an executive order condemning the Hamas-led assault on Israel last October. He stated, “These attacks unleashed an unprecedented wave of vile anti-Semitic discrimination, vandalism, and violence against our citizens, especially in our schools and on our campuses.” The administration pledged to combat antisemitism using all legal avenues.
Federal actions have included the revocation of visas for over 300 international students involved in protests related to U.S. policies on Israel and Palestine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that visas would not be granted to those intending to participate in disruptive activities.
Despite these tensions, Customs and Border Protection denied any link between Makled’s brief detention and his legal practice or political stance. Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham stated, “This lawyer’s accusations are blatantly false and sensationalized,” clarifying that the detention was a routine process with no political motivation.
Beckham assured that the inspection adhered to legal protocols, maintaining attorney-client confidentiality, and conducted under consent. He concluded, “Claims that this was an attack on his profession or were politically motivated are baseless. Our officers are following the law, not agendas.”
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