Mohsen Mahdawi, a pivotal figure in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, was taken into custody by immigration officials during a citizenship interview on Monday in Colchester, Vermont, raising concerns about the intersection of activism and immigration policy in the United States. The 24-year-old green card holder, who is poised to graduate next month, reportedly experienced detention as "direct retaliation" for his vocal opposition to the Israel-Gaza conflict, according to his attorney, Luna Droubi.
Droubi contends that Mahdawi's arrest is an attempt to stifle dissent against the violence in Gaza and is indicative of a larger troubling trend targeting activists in the U.S. His case is part of a worrying pattern observed among others involved in similar demonstrations, as fellow students Mahmoud Khalil from Columbia University and Rumeysa Ozturk from Tufts University also faced detention recently.
A video circulating on social media allegedly depicted Mahdawi being escorted by two police officers, further amplifying concerns surrounding his treatment. Droubi has since filed a motion for a temporary restraining order to halt any movement or expulsion of Mahdawi from the U.S. A court hearing resulted in Judge William Sessions, an Obama appointee, granting the order, emphasizing the urgency and nature of the matter.
Mahdawi's journey began in a refugee camp in the West Bank, eventually arriving in the U.S. in 2014. As a philosophy major and Buddhist, he champions non-violence and empathy, principles he argues are integral to his advocacy for Palestinians. Throughout his studies, Mahdawi gained prominence for openly criticizing Israel, notably alleging genocide during his December interview with CBS' 60 Minutes—a claim Israel vehemently disputes.
The backdrop of Mahdawi's detention ties into a broader immigration crackdown spearheaded by the Trump administration, with claims that over 300 foreign students have faced visa revocations as part of strategies purportedly aimed at curbing antisemitism on college campuses. Critics assert these actions infringe on free speech rights, mislabeling students' anti-occupation sentiments as antisemitic.
Amid these developments, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has publicly condemned Mahdawi's detention, emphasizing the need for due process and immediate release. In a related case, Judge Sessions presided over a hearing involving Rumeysa Ozturk, questioning the potential constitutional implications if the administration fails to comply with any court ruling favoring her release.
As the scrutiny over U.S. immigration policies deepens, Mahdawi's situation underscores the complexities surrounding activism, governance, and human rights in contemporary America, with advocates calling for a stand against what they perceive as repressive measures targeting those speaking out against injustice.
