BURLINGTON, Vt. — On Wednesday, a large assembly of advocates gathered outside a Vermont courthouse, demonstrating their support for a Palestinian national who became prominent for leading protests against the conflict in Gaza during his university years at Columbia. Mohsen Mahdawi, having held the status of a legal permanent resident for a decade, was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials on April 14 during a citizenship interview.
The initial court appearance for Mahdawi saw a judge prolong the temporary order allowing his stay in Vermont, setting a subsequent court date for the following week. His legal team asserted that his detention was an act of retaliation stemming from his advocacy for Palestinian rights. “The current case against him is centered on his protected speech,” said attorney Luna Droubi post-hearing. “We are resolute in our mission to secure his release in the upcoming court session.”
The government’s stance, as stated in court documents, suggests that Mahdawi’s detention aligns with “constitutionally valid processes within deportation proceedings.” They emphasized that district courts hold no jurisdiction to challenge the proceedings or the timing of their initiation. Acting U.S. Attorney for Vermont, Michael Drescher, argued this exclusion in a formal submission.
Mahdawi’s attorneys recounted how, during his citizenship interview, he had affirmed his allegiance to the U.S. Constitution when ICE agents entered without forewarning, restrained him, and took him away. “This case is unprecedented, targeting students from esteemed universities without criminal charges,” mentioned attorney Cyrus Mehta. “These individuals stand innocent, not implicated in criminal or immigration offenses under current U.S. law.”
Scheduled to attend immigration court in Louisiana on May 1, Mahdawi faces removal under claims his activities harm U.S. foreign policies. Notably, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced visa cancelations for those counteracting U.S. national interests, specifically referencing protesters against Israel’s Gaza operations.
Mahdawi, born in a West Bank refugee setting, relocated to the U.S. in 2014. He culminated his studies at Columbia University and plans further graduate education. His university tenure was marked by vocal opposition to Israel’s military strategies and organizing protests through March 2024.
U.S. Senator Peter Welch of Vermont visited Mahdawi and shared their interaction on a public platform. Mahdawi expressed faith in justice and democratic principles, stating his citizenship aspirations are motivated by these foundational beliefs. His attorney shared a message from Mahdawi outside the courthouse, where he encouraged supporters to remain hopeful and trust in the justice system.
In parallel, the government is challenging a Vermont judge’s decision in the case of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts student detained under similar circumstances. Massachusetts congressional representatives recently visited detainees in Louisiana, expressing concerns over their conditions. The delegation underscored that these students were unlawfully held for exercising free speech—a sentiment echoed by U.S. Representative Jim McGovern, who condemned their detainment as politically motivated.