On April 30, 2025, U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford ordered the release of Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi from immigration detention. Mahdawi, a Palestinian and legal U.S. resident, had been detained since April 14 after being arrested during a citizenship interview. His arrest was part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian activism.
Judge Crawford determined that Mahdawi posed no flight risk and could attend his upcoming graduation while contesting his deportation. The judge’s ruling allows Mahdawi to leave Vermont and continue his legal battle outside of detention. The Trump administration had opposed his release, arguing that his detention was constitutionally valid.
Mahdawi’s legal team, including Lia Ernst of the American Civil Liberties Union, argued that his detention was solely based on the content of his speech, infringing upon his First Amendment rights. The administration has taken the position that constitutional speech protections apply only to U.S. citizens, a stance that may ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court.
Upon his release, Mahdawi addressed supporters outside the courthouse, stating, “I am not afraid of you,” in reference to President Trump. He emphasized the peaceful nature of the student protest movement and expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine. Mahdawi’s case has drawn attention to the administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism and raised concerns about free speech rights for non-citizens.
Source: Al Jazeera
