A Vermont federal choose ordered Wednesday that Mohsen Mahdawi, the Palestinian pupil activist from Columbia College who was detained at his U.S. citizenship check, be launched from federal immigration detention whereas his case proceeds.
Mahdawi, a authorized everlasting resident, went in for his naturalization interview on April 14, however was as an alternative arrested by federal immigration authorities. His attorneys instantly filed a habeas corpus petition that accused the Trump administration of making an attempt to deport him on free speech grounds.
Exterior the courthouse Wednesday, Mahdawi welcomed U.S. District Decide Geoffrey Crawford’s ruling: “Against all of the heinous accusations, horrible attacks, chills of speech, First Amendment violations, he has made a very brave decision to let me out. And this is what justice is.”
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks throughout a rally held by Congress members in assist of detained Columbia pupil Mohsen Mahdawi in entrance of the State Division on April 29, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photograph by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Pictures)
The federal authorities has accused Mahdawi of being a risk to U.S. overseas coverage, which his attorneys deny. His direct involvement within the Columbia demonstrations got here to an finish earlier than the high-profile encampments of final spring, in line with court docket paperwork.
Mahdawi was born and raised in a refugee camp within the West Financial institution, the place his household nonetheless lives. He co-founded Columbia’s Palestinian Scholar Union with Mahmoud Khalil, one other inexperienced card holder detained for his position within the campus protests, and is anticipated to graduate from Columbia with a level in philosophy subsequent month.
Mohsen Mahdawi, left, and Mahmoud Khalil take part in a pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia College, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, in New York. (AP Photograph/Yuki Iwamura)
His attorneys mentioned they might proceed to problem the legality of his detention for talking out in opposition to Israel’s warfare in Gaza and struggle his immigration case.
“I’m saying it clear and loud to President Trump and his cabinet: I’m not afraid of you,” Mahdawi mentioned from exterior the court docket.
