US Immigration Officials Detain Palestinian Student During Citizenship Interview

A Palestinian student, Mohsen Mahdawi, known for his prominent activism at Columbia University, was detained by U.S. immigration authorities on Monday while attending a scheduled citizenship interview in Vermont. Mahdawi, who has been a vocal advocate for pro-Palestinian causes, is a legal permanent resident and has been living in the U.S. since 2014.

Born in a refugee camp in the West Bank, Mahdawi was granted permanent residency in 2015. He recently completed his undergraduate education at Columbia and was preparing to pursue a master's degree this fall. His detention took place amidst a backdrop of heightened scrutiny and actions against foreign students involved in political activism.

Eyewitnesses reported that a friend recorded Mahdawi being taken away by authorities, during which he displayed a peace sign. The exact location of his detention remains unclear.

At Columbia, Mahdawi has been notable for his active role in organizing protests against Israeli military actions in Gaza, especially following the escalation of violence that began after the October 7 attacks by Hamas. He co-founded the Palestinian Student Union at the university, alongside fellow student Mahmoud Khalil, who was also recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Khalil was the first student arrested as part of a broader initiative announced by the previous administration targeting international students engaged in pro-Palestinian protests. A recent ruling by an immigration judge in Louisiana has allowed for Khalil's deportation, stating that he poses a national security risk, despite his legal residency status.

The detentions have sparked significant criticism from various quarters. Opponents of the administration's approach argue that these actions represent a violation of free speech rights protected under the First Amendment. U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen expressed that the government should not be allowed to detain individuals for exercising their constitutional rights.

Additionally, Senator Bernie Sanders and members of Vermont's Congressional delegation have condemned Mahdawi's detention, labeling it as immoral and illegal. They have called for his immediate release, emphasizing the need for due process for legal residents.

In a related development, a judge in Vermont has issued an order preventing the deportation of Mahdawi from the U.S. or the removal from the state of Vermont. This legal challenge reflects ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of foreign nationals involved in political activism in the United States.