Columbia Activist Detained by ICE During Citizenship Appointment: A Bold Stand

Mohsen Mahdawi, a green card holder for a decade, was detained by immigration officials during a routine appointment in Vermont, aiming for U.S. citizenship. Known for organizing pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University, Mahdawi’s sudden arrest has caused alarm among his family and lawyers, who fear federal authorities might transfer him to a more conservative jurisdiction, a tactic previously used against other activists.

A federal judge promptly intervened, ordering that Mahdawi not be moved or deported. His legal representation argues that his detention fits a troubling pattern targeting foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian advocacy. Born in a West Bank refugee camp, Mahdawi has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and co-founded Dar: the Palestinian Student Society at Columbia.

Despite not being charged with any crime, his case has drawn scrutiny amidst claims by immigration officials that his presence threatens U.S. national security, a stance linked to wider criticisms of pro-Palestinian activism being labeled as antisemitic. Vermont lawmakers have condemned his arrest, emphasizing that it undermines due process for legal residents. Friends describe Mahdawi as empathetic, dedicated to understanding diverse perspectives, and committed to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The situation underscores ongoing debates surrounding immigration, advocacy, and civil rights in America.