A Brown University nephrology professor's deportation from Boston Logan International Airport has sparked controversy over alleged connections to a terrorist organization.

According to Daily Mail, Dr. Rasha Alawieh, 47, was deported to Paris on Friday after U.S. border officials discovered deleted photos and videos of Hezbollah figures on her phone, along with her admission of attending the funeral of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Federal authorities moved swiftly to expel the Lebanese-born physician despite her valid H1B visa and position at the prestigious Ivy League institution. The deportation occurred shortly before a judge could intervene with an order requiring advance notice to the court for any removal action.

Complex Legal Battle Over Doctor's Deportation

Customs and Border Protection justified their decision after finding what they described as concerning material on Alawieh's device. The physician explained her connection to Nasrallah was primarily religious rather than political, citing his role as a spiritual figure in the Shia Muslim community.

Alawieh defended her position to immigration officials, maintaining that the content on her phone came from family WhatsApp groups. During questioning, she emphasized Nasrallah's religious teachings and spiritual leadership within her faith community.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Sady stated in court documents that officials could not definitively determine Alawieh's true intentions in the United States, leading to the cancellation of her visa. The decision came despite her established professional credentials and years of work at prominent American medical institutions.

Medical Community Response and Professional Impact

Brown Medicine colleagues have rallied behind Alawieh, expressing outrage over her sudden removal. The respected kidney transplant specialist had built a significant career in American healthcare since 2018. George Bayliss, an associate professor at Brown University, voiced strong support for his colleague. He emphasized her value to the medical community and called for her return to Rhode Island.

U.S. Representative Gabe Amo of Rhode Island has pledged to investigate the situation, seeking answers from the Department of Homeland Security about the circumstances of Alawieh's deportation. A rally supporting the physician was organized at the Rhode Island statehouse.

Political Context and Immigration Policy Implications

The deportation represents the latest in a series of removals targeting foreign-born individuals with valid U.S. visas. Similar cases include Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, who faced deportation after leading protests against the Gaza war.

CBP official John Wallace addressed concerns about the timing of Alawieh's removal, stating that officials did not receive the court order until after her Air France flight had departed. The explanation came amid accusations that customs officials had willfully disobeyed judicial instructions.

Current Status and Legal Proceedings

Judge Leo Sorokin has postponed a hearing on the matter to allow government attorneys additional time to present evidence. The delay provides an opportunity for both sides to gather documentation and prepare their arguments.

Alawieh's cousin has filed a motion challenging the deportation, specifically questioning whether customs officials deliberately ignored the court's order. The legal battle highlights tensions between immigration enforcement priorities and judicial oversight.

Final Outcome and Future Implications

Dr. Rasha Alawieh's sudden deportation from Boston Logan International Airport has highlighted complex intersections between immigration policy, national security, and professional contributions to American institutions. The Lebanese-born physician, who specialized in kidney transplants at Brown University, faces an uncertain future after border officials discovered content related to Hezbollah on her phone. While government officials maintain the deportation was necessary due to security concerns, colleagues and elected representatives have called for greater transparency and review of the decision-making process that led to her removal from the United States.