Vt. Judge Frees Palestinian Student Activist After Citizenship Interview Arrest

BURLINGTON, VT. (WCAX)—A federal judge in Vermont ordered the release of a Palestinian man on Wednesday. This individual had been involved in protests against the conflict in Gaza while he was a student at Columbia University. He was taken into custody by immigration authorities when he appeared for an interview aimed at completing his application for U.S. citizenship.

A student at Columbia University named Mohsen Mahadawi, who has resided in Vermont for roughly ten years, was apprehended early this month and has remained in detention ever since in Colchester.

The federal authorities mentioned their intention to deport him due to his involvement in demonstrations against the conflict in Gaza, arguing that these events have significant implications for foreign policy.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford decided that Mahdawi should be freed as his legal proceedings continue. In his ruling, Crawford stated, among other things, "[Mahdawi’s] ongoing imprisonment could potentially deter lawful expression, an outcome that goes strongly against what serves the public good."

Many followers of Mahdawi gathered outside the courthouse, joined by camera teams and reporters from all over the nation. As soon as he appeared, the crowd burst into excitement.

"I'm absolutely thrilled, ecstatic! I can hardly believe it!" expressed Salaam Odeh, a friend of Mahdawi.

On April 14, Mahdawi, who possesses a green card, was taken into custody by officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when he believed he was attending his last appointment to obtain U.S. citizenship.

"For those who have doubts about justice, this represents a ray of hope—a renewed belief and trust in the American judicial system," Mahdawi stated.

Legal papers from the federal court indicate that the government feels it has grounds to remove Mahdawi due to his involvement in orchestrating protests at Columbia University, which they characterize as being antisemitic and potentially harmful to U.S. foreign policy interests.

Mahdawi denied those allegations.

“He stated, ‘The threat lies in rejecting their pro-war stance, which is inherently against peace. We, however, stand for peace and oppose war.’”

In arguing in support of his detainment, the government highlighted an alleged conversation with a gun shop owner reported to Windsor police in 2015. The owner said Mahdawi made comments about building machine guns and killing Jewish people. His lawyers called it hearsay.

Mahdawi claims he encountered an FBI agent several months afterward, stating that his visit to the store was to check whether he had to register the shotgun he received as a present, and he made no remarks against Jewish people.

The same agent appeared in court on Wednesday but was not asked to testify.

In court, the government mentioned having additional data about Madwahi but declined to disclose it publicly, justifying their decision with reference to national security issues.

The judge nevertheless opted to grant Mahdawi bail, stating that he does not pose a threat to the general populace.

His lawyers argue that the ruling extends beyond this particular case.

“I’m so proud that Mohsen’s release today has been somewhat of a victory for all noncitizens in the United States, for everybody,” said Cyrus Mehta, Mahdawi’s lawyer.

Mahdawi spoke with me after his release.

Reporter Ike Bendavid asked: How does it feel to be free now?

Mohsen Mahdawi: It’s simply a reaffirmation of belief.

Ike Bendavid: What's the first task you're planning to tackle today?

Mohsen Mahdawi: I plan to perform a prayer, one of thankfulness. Afterward, I'll go for a stroll in nature.

To make things clear, Mahdawi’s deportation proceedings are still underway. On Wednesday, however, he was conditionally released with stipulations requiring him to remain living in Vermont and attending college in New York City.

The government remains steadfast. Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, stated: "The Trump Administration is dedicated to reinstating the rule of law within our immigration framework. Neither this nor any litigation will deter us from achieving this objective. We possess legal authority, factual evidence, and sound judgment on our side."

It is an honor to receive a visa or green card allowing one to reside and study in the United States of America. If you promote violence, praise and endorse terrorists who take pleasure in murdering Americans, or bully Jewish individuals, then that privilege ought to be rescinded, and you should have no place in this nation.

Vermont’s representatives in Congress issued a joint statement regarding Mahdawi’s release, describing it as a significant initial move. They stated, among other things: "This serious misstep should not have occurred... The Trump Administration’s handling of this matter—as well as numerous instances involving wrongly imprisoned, expelled, and missing individuals—is disgraceful and unethical."

Share :