A federal judge in Vermont has ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student and U.S. permanent resident, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during his naturalization interview on April 14. Mahdawi, originally from a refugee camp in the West Bank, was held at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in Vermont.

Judge Geoffrey Crawford ruled on Wednesday (April 30) that Mahdawi's two-week detention caused significant harm, despite him not being charged with a crime. Mahdawi, who has lived in the U.S. for over a decade, was arrested under claims that his presence could have adverse foreign policy consequences. However, his lawyers argued that his detention was in retaliation for his advocacy for Palestinian human rights and his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University.

Mahdawi denied allegations of antisemitic violence, stating, "I am a peaceful person, and would never express wanting to harm or kill anyone." The court received letters of support from over 90 community members, including those from the Jewish community, vouching for Mahdawi's peaceful nature.

The Trump administration's attempt to deport Mahdawi, citing foreign policy concerns, has sparked criticism. Senator Bernie Sanders and other Democratic members of Congress have called for Mahdawi's release, emphasizing his advocacy for peace and justice.

Mahdawi's release allows him to continue his studies remotely from Vermont and travel to New York City for legal and academic purposes. He is expected to graduate from Columbia University next month.

Mandy Connell