Deported doctor attended Hezbollah leader's funeral in Lebanon

A Lebanese doctor, Dr. Rasha Alawieh, was deported from the U.S. over the weekend despite having a valid H-1B visa. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said she openly admitted to attending the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah. Alawieh was detained at Boston Logan International Airport after returning from Lebanon. The deportation has raised questions about the Trump administration's actions regarding immigration and court orders. Judge Leo Sorokin ordered a hearing to prevent her removal, but DHS claims officials were unaware of the order by the time Alawieh was deported. Alawieh had been working as an assistant professor at Brown Medicine since July 2024. Her situation has drawn attention due to its implications for civil liberties and due process. Several individuals and organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), have criticized her deportation and called for her immediate reinstatement. Responses to her deportation have been mixed. While supporters argue that she deserves to return due to her professional role and valid visa, some political figures assert that her past support for Hezbollah justifies the deportation. Further legal actions by Alawieh’s attorneys are expected.