Mohsen Mahdawi's Detention Sparks Row; Bernie Sanders Seeks Release
Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian-born Columbia University Student and co-president of Columbia’s Palestinian Student Union, was detained by the ICE on April 14, 2025, while undergoing his U.S. citizenship interview in Vermont. Reportedly, it was a retaliation for his protest in Columbia University Campus against the Israel-Gaza War.
The arrest comes during a broader Trump administration crackdown on pro-Palestinian student activists, as seen with other detentions including Mahmoud Khalil at Columiba University under the immigration laws to counter perceived threats to U.S foreign policy.
From 60 Minutes golden boy to being paid a visit by the nice folks of ICE, now another pro-Hamas leader at Columbia, Mohsen Mahdawi, is on his way out! pic.twitter.com/wQpgyhhkDB
— Arsen Ostrovsky 🎗️ (@Ostrov_A) April 14, 2025
The detention aligns with broader U.S. immigration enforcement trends under the Laken Riley Act, signed into law in January 2025, which mandates detaining immigrants charged with certain crimes, though critics argue it risks deporting individuals without convictions, potentially infringing on due process.
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However, the free speech advocates critice these detention calling them against the First Amendment rights, warning that targeting of legal residents for their views could set a precedent for broader suppression of dissent.
Mohsen Mahdawi appeared on 60 Minutes and argued that fight for Palestine freedom and against antisemitism are interconnected. 60 Minutes” is a long-running American television news magazine program that airs on CBS since 1968.
“The fight for freedom of Palestine and the fight against antisemitism go hand-in-hand because injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” says Mohsen Mahdawi, co-president of Columbia’s Palestinian Students Union. https://t.co/xh91MwzdHe pic.twitter.com/CsBehwMWEc
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) December 6, 2023
Senator Bernie Sanders calls Mohsen Mahdawi arrest as unlawful also demanded the due process under the law and his immediate release.
Mohsen Mahdawi of White River Junction, Vermont was illegally detained by ICE during what was supposed to be the final step in his citizenship process.
Mr. Mahdawi, a legal resident of the US, must be afforded due process under the law and immediately released from detention. pic.twitter.com/URoGmqa7Td
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) April 14, 2025
