talks to Michigan attorney detained by immigration agents

Earlier this week, Michigan-based attorney Amir Makled was detained by federal immigration agents while returning home from a family vacation to the Dominican Republic.

On Sunday at the Detroit Metro Airport, Makled — who is a U.S. citizen — attempted to pass through customs with his wife and children. The rest of his family was able to enter the country without issue. But when Makled’s turn came, he overheard one of the agents call for assistance from the “Tactical Terrorism Response Team.”

Border agents pressured Makled to hand over his cell phone. He refused. After more than 90 minutes of back-and-forth, he eventually showed agents his contacts list. He was eventually released. Makled says he was never given a reason for his detainment.

However, one of his current clients is a student who has been charged in connection to a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Michigan.

Makled does not think it’s a coincidence that he was targeted after deciding to represent this client following the Trump administration’s crackdown on visa holders who have expressed support for Palestine.

“The purpose of searching my phone doesn’t have anything to do with terrorism, there is only a chilling effect, and it’s done to be intimidating.”

Makled sat down with All Things Considered host Juana Summers to describe his experience.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Interview Highlights