US: Palestinian Columbia Student Arrested During Citizenship Interview Over Gaza Activism
A Palestinian student from Columbia University, Mohsen Mahdawi, was arrested by immigration officials while attending a U.S. citizenship interview in Colchester, Vermont. Mahdawi, a legal permanent resident since 2015, had actively participated in pro-Gaza demonstrations and co-founded the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia.
His lawyers claim the arrest by ICE is politically motivated, citing his outspoken criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and his Palestinian identity. “This is an attempt to silence voices speaking out against injustice,” said attorney Luna Droby, who has filed a petition in federal court to prevent his deportation.
Mahdawi, who came to the U.S. in 2014 from a refugee camp in the West Bank, is set to graduate in May and begin a master’s program this winter. Known for his nonviolent beliefs and Buddhist faith, he was described by friends as peaceful and law-abiding.
A video shared by his friend Christopher Helali shows Mahdawi making a peace sign while being escorted by officers. Vermont’s congressional delegation, including Senator Bernie Sanders, condemned the arrest, calling it “unethical, inhumane, and illegal,” and demanded his immediate release and due process.
