Activist Mohsen Mahdawi Released Amid Political Tensions

Mohsen Mahdawi, a key figure in the pro-Palestinian movement at Columbia University, was released from federal custody on Wednesday. His release comes as immigration officials aim to revoke his green card, part of a broader clampdown on student protests.

Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford of the Federal District Court in Vermont decided Mr. Mahdawi’s fate, deeming him neither a threat to the community nor a flight risk. The judge compared the current political atmosphere to McCarthyism, saying it represented “not our proudest moment.”

Although Mr. Mahdawi’s immigration case is ongoing, his lawyers confirmed he’ll now be contesting it outside of detention.

His release marks a setback for the Trump administration, even as other students remain behind bars as part of this governmental agenda.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused activists like Mr. Mahdawi of promoting antisemitism, whereas the demonstrators argue their criticism is directed at Israel’s actions in Gaza, not its Jewish identity.

Mr. Rubio maintained that the government reserves the right to deport even legal residents for protests that allegedly threaten U.S. foreign policy interests.

Upon his release, Mr. Mahdawi spoke defiantly: “I say this loud and clear to President Trump and his cabinet: I am not afraid of you.”

Requests for comments from the White House and the Justice Department went unanswered.

Tricia McLaughlin, spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, rebuked Judge Crawford’s decision on social media, accusing Mr. Mahdawi without evidence of glorifying violence and supporting terrorism.

Since April 14, Mr. Mahdawi, age 34, had been detained following what he believed was a routine naturalization appointment in Vermont.

Judge Crawford granted Mr. Mahdawi’s release, noting his strong community connections. The court received over 90 endorsements from local residents, scholars, and professors—including many Jewish supporters—vouching for his peaceful nature.

The judge remarked on the “extraordinary circumstances” of Mr. Mahdawi’s detention, comparing it to historical moments where government actions have attempted to stifle open debate.

In a packed courtroom, supporters of Mr. Mahdawi remained silent as the verdict was read; a few clapped as he gathered his belongings and left free.

Dressed in a plaid suit and donning gold-rimmed glasses, he draped a kaffiyeh over his shoulders. Exiting the courthouse to cheers, he symbolically raised his hands in the peace sign.

“They arrested me for raising my voice against war, for insisting on peace,” Mr. Mahdawi stated. “I proclaimed that enough is enough when 50,000 Palestinians have already lost their lives.”

Having held a green card for ten years, Mr. Mahdawi wasn’t charged with a crime. Nevertheless, Mr. Rubio’s memo justified his arrest, suggesting his activism might disrupt the Middle East peace process by fostering antisemitic sentiments.

Mr. Mahdawi’s lawyers filed for a temporary restraining order to prevent his transfer to a more conservative jurisdiction, a strategy previously used against other demonstrators like Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate detained in Louisiana.

Another Vermont judge, William K. Sessions III, granted the order, ensuring Mr. Mahdawi remains in the state. Judge Crawford later extended his stay until Wednesday’s ruling.

Following his release, Mr. Mahdawi’s legal team confirmed his ability to complete his studies at Columbia.

Reflecting on the day, lawyer Shezza Abboushi Dallal said, “Today’s outcome is monumental for Mohsen, who walks free, and for anyone who values the right to dissent without fearing abduction.”

The Trump administration had used the same legal avenue to retain Mr. Khalil, claiming activists like Mr. Mahdawi threaten U.S. foreign policy and national security, yet wielding no conclusive evidence of antisemitism facilitation.

Previously, a Louisiana immigration judge approved Mr. Khalil’s deportation, and the Department of Homeland Security denied his request to witness his child’s birth in New York.

Recently, Mr. Mahdawi went into hiding, wary of a target on his back after Mr. Khalil’s detention. Despite inadequate assistance from Columbia, he attended a crucial interview for citizenship even when suspecting it might be a ruse.

His prior preparation included notifying Vermont’s senators and a congressional representative should issues arise. When detained, he was studying the Constitution as prep for a naturalization exam.

On Wednesday, these lawmakers expressed their relief at his release, emphasizing his constitutional right to due process and condemning the administration’s unjust pursuit against him.

“The Trump administration’s conduct in this case—and others involving wrongful detention and deportation—lacks morality,” they said. Columbia University recognized his release as a pivotal first step.

Graduate student Gabriella Ramirez, knowing Mr. Mahdawi and a University Senate member, stated, “Seeing justice served in Mohsen’s case is uplifting.” She continued, “I remain hopeful for a similar resolution for my peer, Mahmoud Khalil.”

Anvee Bhutani and Carolyn Shapiro also contributed to this report.