Palestinian Activist ICE Arrest During Citizenship Interview in Vermont
A Palestinian activist ICE arrest has drawn national attention after Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student and green card holder, was detained Monday during what was supposed to be his final U.S. citizenship interview. The incident happened at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Colchester, Vermont, and has since triggered legal action and political condemnation.
A Student Advocate Detained Unexpectedly
Mahdawi had recently completed coursework at Columbia University and was scheduled to graduate in May. He also planned to start a master’s degree program in the fall. A longtime activist, Mahdawi co-founded the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia and led campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza until early 2024.
According to his lawyers, he was arrested on-site by ICE without prior warning, and his current whereabouts remain unknown. His legal team quickly filed a federal petition to prevent his removal from Vermont or the United States.
Allegations of Retaliation and Constitutional Concerns
Attorney Luna Droubi accused the Trump administration of retaliating against Mahdawi due to his Palestinian identity and political beliefs.
“His detention is an attempt to silence those who speak out against the atrocities in Gaza. It is also unconstitutional,” Droubi stated.
Mahdawi, originally from a refugee camp in the West Bank, moved to the U.S. in 2014. He identifies as a committed Buddhist, with a belief in non-violence and empathy at the core of his values.
Linked Crackdowns on Student Protesters
Mahdawi’s arrest follows that of his colleague and fellow Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was recently ruled deportable by an immigration judge in Louisiana. Khalil had also participated in campus protests and was the first student detained under President Trump’s recent crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
Eyewitness Footage and Reaction
Christopher Helali, a friend who accompanied Mahdawi to the immigration office, filmed the activist being escorted away in handcuffs. In the video, Mahdawi flashed peace signs before entering the authorities’ vehicle.
Helali confirmed that they were both aware Mahdawi might be detained, but said he showed up because he had done nothing wrong.
“He was nervous, but resolute. He’s a law-abiding citizen—or soon-to-be citizen,” Helali said.
Vermont Lawmakers Demand Justice
Vermont’s congressional delegation, including Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Representative Becca Balint, issued a statement calling the arrest “immoral, inhumane, and illegal.”
“Mr. Mahdawi must be afforded due process under the law and immediately released from detention,” they said.
As of now, Mahdawi’s legal team continues to press for answers while community supporters call for his swift release and protection of his rights as a permanent resident on the path to U.S. citizenship.
More…
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/mohsen-mahdawi-arrested-1.7510325
- https://apnews.com/article/immigration-palestine-protest-trump-deportation-columbia-fca7e73fe2cbd616c1eacf3bdececdbe
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy0332y7xzo
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/british-tourist-detained-in-us-for-19-days-warns-travelers-dont-risk-visiting-the-u-s
