Mohsen Mahdawi's detention has raised alarms among activists, as it is perceived as retaliation for his outspoken stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict and has drawn criticism from lawmakers.
**Palestinian Activist Detained During Citizenship Interview in Vermont**
**Palestinian Activist Detained During Citizenship Interview in Vermont**
A pro-Palestinian organizer from Columbia University was arrested during his U.S. citizenship interview, sparking concerns over immigration practices and free speech.
Mohsen Mahdawi, an activist and green card holder set to graduate from Columbia University next month, was arrested during his immigration interview in Colchester, Vermont, according to his attorney. His lawyer claims the detention was a targeted act of retaliation stemming from Mahdawi's involvement in pro-Palestinian protests against the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The recent arrest draws attention to a troubling trend, as other students involved in similar demonstrations, such as Mahmoud Khalil from Columbia and Rumeysa Ozturk from Tufts, have also faced detainment.
Social media footage reportedly shows Mahdawi being escorted by officers. His lawyer, Luna Droubi, has described the action as an unconstitutional attempt to suppress voices critical of Israel's military actions in Gaza. An application for a temporary restraining order has been filed with a federal court to ensure Mahdawi's rights are upheld, and Judge William Sessions granted the request, highlighting the necessity for legal protections.
Mahdawi was born in a refugee camp in the West Bank and immigrated to the U.S. in 2014. He has vocalized his views against Israeli policies, notably in a December interview with CBS's 60 Minutes, where he accused the Israeli government of genocidal actions, claims that have been firmly rejected by Israeli officials.
His arrest comes amid a broader immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, which has seen increased scrutiny of foreign students, especially those expressing pro-Palestinian sentiment. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the detention as illegal and stressed the need for Mahdawi to receive due process.
The situation raises serious questions about immigrants' rights and freedom of speech in the U.S., particularly regarding protests linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As the legal battle continues, Mahdawi's case underscores the tensions surrounding immigration policy and civil liberties in the current political landscape.
