Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is free after judge orders his release

a year ago

Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student and U.S. permanent resident, was released on bail after being detained by DHS agents during his naturalization interview.
Mahdawi, born in a West Bank refugee camp, was held at an ICE facility in Vermont and accused of supporting antisemitic violence, which he denies.
Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford ordered Mahdawi's release, denying the government's request for a seven-day stay.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the detention, stating Mahdawi's alleged actions warranted revocation of his immigration privileges.
Mahdawi was a key organizer of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia and has faced accusations from law enforcement, including claims about firearms and antisemitic remarks.
Mahdawi's attorneys argue his detention was retaliation for free speech and vow to continue fighting for his permanent freedom.
The Trump administration has detained other foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian activism, including Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk.
Mahdawi called for the freedom of other detained students and an end to U.S. aid to Israel, emphasizing global solidarity with Palestine.

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