Who Is Mohsen Mahdawi? Palestinian Student's ICE Arrest Sparks Outrage and Legal Battle

Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi was released from federal immigration detention on Wednesday, nearly two weeks after he was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents immediately following a routine citizenship interview. The case has drawn national attention, sparking protests on college campuses and raising broader questions about the treatment of international and Palestinian students in the U.S.

A federal judge in Vermont ordered Mahdawi’s release while his immigration case proceeds, citing a lack of justification for his detention and concerns over due process. “There is insufficient evidence that Mr. Mahdawi poses a danger or a flight risk,” wrote Judge Christina Reiss in her ruling. “His arrest and continued detention appear to lack transparency and procedural fairness.”

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Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi

Who Is Mohsen Mahdawi?

Mohsen Mahdawi, 27, is a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Known for his academic excellence and involvement in advocacy work, Mahdawi has lived in the U.S. legally for over five years on a student visa. He had recently applied for U.S. citizenship, and was attending a scheduled naturalization interview in Vermont when ICE agents abruptly detained him.

According to his attorneys, Mahdawi was not informed of any change in his immigration status and had no criminal history or violations on his record. “This is a young man pursuing his education and contributing positively to his community,” said his lawyer Dana Al-Taher. “The way this arrest was carried out sends a chilling message to thousands of international students across the country.”

Arrest Sparks Protests and Institutional Response

The arrest triggered immediate backlash from students, faculty, and civil rights organizations. Within days, Columbia University students organized rallies, demanding transparency from ICE and protection for immigrant students. A petition demanding Mahdawi’s release gathered over 25,000 signatures within a week.

University President Minouche Shafik released a statement expressing “deep concern” over the incident and affirmed the university’s support for Mahdawi. “Columbia stands by the rights of our students to pursue their education free from unjust detention,” she said.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Immigration Law Center also condemned the arrest, calling it “an unnecessary and politically charged use of immigration enforcement against a peaceful, law-abiding student.”

A Legal Fight with National Implications

Mahdawi’s legal team believes the case could set a precedent for how student visa holders and applicants for citizenship are treated, particularly those from politically sensitive regions like Palestine.

“There is no legal basis for targeting someone during the naturalization process unless there’s credible evidence of fraud or danger,” said immigration attorney Leila Rafiq. “In this case, there’s none. What we’re seeing is profiling and intimidation.”

According to court documents, ICE cited “national security concerns” in Mahdawi’s arrest but provided no specifics. Legal analysts suggest that such vague justifications are increasingly being used to detain individuals from the Middle East under the pretext of security.

What’s Next for Mohsen Mahdawi?

For now, Mahdawi has returned to New York and resumed his studies while awaiting the next phase of his legal process. His next immigration hearing is expected in June.

In a short statement outside the courthouse, Mahdawi said: “I’m grateful to be free and back with my friends and professors. But this isn’t just about me—this is about every student who dreams of building a future here and finds themselves treated like a threat instead.”

His case remains a flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over immigration, civil liberties, and the rights of non-citizens in the U.S. education system.

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