Status: Pending

A Columbia University student was released on bail Tuesday after being detained by immigration authorities at his citizenship interview. 

Mohsen Mahdawi—a 34-year-old from the West Bank and permanent U.S. resident—was arrested in Vermont last month. Mahdawi’s lawyers say his arrest is “the government’s retaliation” against Mahdawi’s free speech rights and his role in organizing pro-Palestinian protests on Columbia’s campus. The State Department argues Mahdawi’s actions—speaking out against Israel—compromise “U.S. foreign policy interest.” 

The judge overseeing his case said Mahdawi posed no public or flight risk and allowed him to remain in Vermont and attend Columbia while his case is ongoing. 

Uncle Sam’s recent measures targeting on-campus, pro-Palestine protests include revoking students’ visas and placing at least two students—including fellow Columbia Lion Mahmoud Khalil—in ICE detention.

Verse to consider whether or not justice is served in American courts, your workplace, or the middle school hallways… “This is my servant; I strengthen him, this is my chosen one; I delight in him. I have put my Spirit on him; he will bring justice to the nations… He will not grow weak or be discouraged until he has established justice on earth. The coasts and islands will wait for his instruction.”
Isaiah 42:1, 4 (CSB) (read full passage)