Columbia Student Mohsen Mahdawi Released from Immigration Custody

BURLINGTON, Vermont — A federal judge ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a 34-year-old student and U.S. permanent resident, from immigration custody on Wednesday. Mahdawi had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a naturalization interview on April 14.

During a hearing, U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford expressed concern over the two weeks Mahdawi was held without any charge. “The two weeks of detention so far demonstrate great harm to a person who has been charged with no crime,” Crawford said. After the ruling, Mahdawi emerged from the courthouse stating, “For anybody who is doubting justice, this is a light of hope and faith in the justice system in America.”

Born in a Palestinian refugee camp in the West Bank, Mahdawi has been vocal about pro-Palestinian issues, notably organizing protests at Columbia University last year. His detention, according to his attorneys, was a retaliatory act against his advocacy for Palestinian rights.

The government’s position stated Mahdawi’s presence and actions in the U.S. could lead to severe foreign policy consequences. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Mahdawi’s activities undermine U.S. efforts to combat antisemitism.

Mahdawi refuted claims made by law enforcement that he supported antisemitic violence, asserting, “I am a peaceful person and would never express wanting to harm or kill anyone.”

After the hearing, Mahdawi called for solidarity among detained students, saying, “Keep in mind that… my freedom is interlinked to the freedom of many other students.” He also addressed calls for an end to the war in Gaza and U.S. support for Israel.

In recent months, Mahdawi is one of several international students detained amid heightened scrutiny on activists speaking out against Israeli policies. His case highlights broader concerns over free speech and the treatment of pro-Palestinian advocates in the U.S.