Lawyer Detained at Airport Over Attorney-Client Privilege Concerns

News Summary

Amir Makled, a lawyer in Dearborn, Michigan, faced federal detainment upon returning from vacation. He claims the incident threatens attorney-client privilege and raises alarms over governmental overreach in legal matters. Makled, targeted due to his representation of a student involved in pro-Palestinian protests, expressed concerns about the implications for client confidentiality and the legal profession as a whole.

Michigan Attorney Detained, Claims Attorney-Client Privilege Under Threat

In a concerning incident that has raised alarms among legal professionals, Amir Makled, a lawyer based in Dearborn, Michigan, was detained by federal agents upon returning to the United States from a family spring break vacation in the Dominican Republic. The incident unfolded on April 6, 2025, at Detroit Metro Airport, where the attorney found himself embroiled in a situation that he perceives as part of a broader pattern of governmental overreach aimed at stifling the legal profession.

The Detention and Interrogation

Upon his arrival at the airport, Makled was questioned by federal agents for over 90 minutes. During this time, the agents requested that he turn over his phone, which raised significant concerns associated with client confidentiality. Throughout the questioning, Makled alleged that he was specifically targeted due to his role in representing Samantha Lewis, a student protestor involved in pro-Palestinian protests at the University of Michigan. Those protests recently led to the arrest of several individuals on charges that included resisting arrest and obstructing police.

Implications for Attorney-Client Privilege

Makled characterized this encounter as an “attack on lawyers,” expressing deep concern over the chilling effect it could have on the attorney-client privilege. This incident represents a troubling trend where legal practitioners might be coerced into surrendering client information under the pretense of routine law enforcement procedures. It raises questions about the sanctity of attorney-client communications and the fundamental rights of citizens within the legal system.

The Nature of the Interrogation

Details of the interrogation paint a troubling picture. Prior to questioning, Makled’s photo was taken at a passport kiosk, and he overheard agents refer to the Tactical Terrorism Response Team (TTRT). This led to concerns about whether his legal status was a factor in the decision to detain him. A plainclothes agent entered the room to indicate awareness of Makled’s profile and involvement in “high-profile” cases. Such comments suggest a level of surveillance that seems entirely unwarranted and out of line with standard practices.

Response from Authorities

In the face of these allegations, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Assistant defined the detainment as part of a “routine, lawful process.” They denied the existence of any political motivations, asserting that their operations adhere strictly to established protocols. However, Makled refuted this, arguing that the efforts to inspect his device were politically charged and served a dual purpose of intimidation against legal advocates.

Future Precautions

Following this unnerving episode, Makled has stated that he will adopt new strategies for safeguarding client information in the future, including the use of separate phones for international travel. This decision signals a profound shift in how attorneys must navigate interactions with federal authorities in an era where the maintenance of client confidentiality may be jeopardized.

Call for Legal Awareness

Makled’s experience may serve as a wake-up call for attorneys nationwide to remain vigilant in protecting their clients’ rights against what could be perceived as encroachments. He emphasizes the necessity for legal professionals to unite against tactics that undermine the integrity of their work and to actively uphold the principles of justice, equality, and citizen rights.

With the landscape of legal representation evolving under increasing scrutiny, the attorney community must pay heed to the implications of this incident as it reassesses the framework and safety surrounding the critical communication between lawyers and their clients.