A Palestinian man, known for his protests against the Gaza conflict during his time as a student at Columbia University, was arrested at a Vermont immigration office on Monday. Mohsen Mahdawi, a legal permanent resident and green card holder since 2015, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services facility in Colchester. His attorneys indicate that his whereabouts are currently unknown and have filed a federal court petition to prevent his removal from the state or country.
Born in a West Bank refugee camp, Mahdawi relocated to the United States in 2014. He recently finished his coursework at Columbia University and was scheduled to graduate in May, with plans to pursue a master’s degree in the fall. During his time at Columbia, Mahdawi was prominent for his vocal opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and organized several campus protests. He co-founded the Palestinian Student Union alongside Mahmoud Khalil, another Palestinian permanent resident and graduate student who was also recently detained by ICE. Khalil became the first individual arrested under President Donald Trump’s crackdown on students involved in protests related to the Gaza conflict. A Louisiana immigration judge has since ruled that Khalil can be deported as a national security risk.
A video recorded by Christopher Helali, a friend of Mahdawi’s from Vermont, captured the moment of his detention. The footage, shared on social media, shows Mahdawi flashing a peace sign as he is led away by authorities. Helali described Mahdawi as a peaceful advocate for dialogue on Palestinian issues and noted that, despite being aware of potential detention, Mahdawi attended the immigration appointment because he believed in his innocence and adherence to the law.
Vermont’s congressional delegation, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Peter Welch, and Rep. Becca Balint, issued a statement condemning the arrest. They labeled the detention as “immoral, inhumane, and illegal,” emphasizing that Mahdawi, as a legal U.S. resident, deserves due process and should be immediately released.
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The arrest of Mohsen Mahdawi highlights the complex intersection of immigration policy and activism. For communities involved in advocacy, this incident may underscore the perceived risks of activism in the current political climate. It raises important questions about the balance between national security and the rights of individuals to express dissent and engage in peaceful protests.
On a broader scale, this situation could influence public opinion regarding immigration policies and practices under the Trump administration. It may prompt discussions about the treatment of legal residents and the implications for those seeking citizenship. For residents and activists, the case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of political expression, potentially affecting community engagement and advocacy efforts.