This lawyer is an American citizen. Like the Tuft’s University student (who was literally kidnapped off the street by plain clothed agents who refused to identify themselves for having taken part in a pro-Palestinian protest), this lawyer is representing a student who took part in a pro-Palestian demonstration at the University of Michigan (the article explains those students were charged with misdemeanor tresspassing as well as obstructing police and resisting arrest).
According to the article, his photograph (taken during re-entry) was flagged (requiring the Tactical Terrorism Response Team). The agents knew he was lawyer. Given Makled is an Arab American, it looks like racial profiling is also part of this (which would fit inline with who this regime has been targeting for disappearing without any due process) besides the targeting of attorneys. Again, this is the regimes attempt to break the rule of law (several large firms have already caved).
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol + Immigrations are also being weaponized by this regime in a Gestapo-like fashion unfortunately. Even if you don’t have anything to hide, it’s looking more like it is better to have completely clean devices (phones, tablets, laptops) when re-entering the country. Agents aren’t identifying themselves or giving specific reasons for detaining people but since Makled is a lawyer, at least knew how to navigate this. A regular person who is pressed by agents without the presence of an attorney is a whole different thing.
