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A judge in Vermont has released Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian man and student at Columbia University, who was arrested during an immigration interview while protesting against the Gaza war. His detention raised concerns about the implications for free speech and activism.
Outside the courthouse, Mahdawi rallied supporters, proclaiming, “No fear” and “Free Palestine.” He emphasized the necessity of unity to uphold both democratic values and human rights. “Never give up on the idea that justice will prevail,” Mahdawi stated. “We want to stand up for humanity, because the rest of the world — not only Palestine — is watching us. And what is going to happen in America will influence the global situation.”
Mahdawi’s immigration notice indicated that he faced removal under the Immigration and Nationality Act, based on a determination by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that his presence posed significant risks to U.S. foreign policy. His defense argued that he had been in the country legally for a decade and that his detention was a retaliatory act against his advocacy for Palestinian rights.
U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford ruled on Mahdawi’s case after hearing arguments following his arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on April 14. The government characterized the detention as a lawful part of the deportation process, asserting that district courts lack authority to challenge such procedural matters.
LISTEN l Columbia student speaks about the chilling effects of government actions:
As the Trump administration intensifies its scrutiny of university campuses and student activism, Columbia Political Review editor Adam Kinder noted a significant shift in student expression, with many now self-censoring their opinions.
‘He followed all of the rules’
Support for Mahdawi notably came from a group of U.S. Congress members who held a rally in Washington, D.C., advocating for his release. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders stated, “He followed all of the rules. He adhered to the law. But instead of completing the process, Mohsen was illegally detained by armed individuals who refused to disclose their identity or intentions.”
Born in a refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Mahdawi migrated to the United States in 2014. He had recently completed his undergraduate studies at Columbia and was set to begin a master’s program in the fall. Throughout his time at university, he was an active critic of Israel’s activities in Gaza and was instrumental in organizing protests up until March 2024.
WATCH l Khalil faces limited legal options but is supported in his fight:
A U.S. court has ruled that Columbia graduate student and pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil is subject to deportation, marking the first enforcement action linked to the Trump administration’s initiative against campus protests.
Mahdawi was involved in co-founding the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia, alongside Mahmoud Khalil, who also faced detainment by immigration authorities and was relocated to a facility in Louisiana. In contrast, Mahdawi was held at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans, Vermont, whereas Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk, a doctoral student from Tufts University, were sent to federal facilities far from their home states.
The legal challenges surrounding deportations are part of a broader wave of lawsuits initiated during the Trump administration, with concerns raised regarding infringements on First Amendment rights relating to free speech and assembly. The American Civil Liberties Union highlighted Mahdawi’s release as a significant legal victory, stating, “This is the first order mandating the release of a student arrested in retaliation for their speech.”
Source
www.cbc.ca