The arrest of Mohsen Mahdawi, a prominent Palestinian activist and Columbia University student, has led to widespread protests in New York City. On April 14, 2025, Mahdawi, who has been an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a routine citizenship interview in Burlington, Vermont.
Mahdawi, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., co-founded the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia University and has been involved in various pro-Palestinian campaigns. His arrest is seen by many as politically motivated, particularly due to his activism, sparking a wave of protests demanding his release.
Legal representatives for Mahdawi have filed a habeas corpus petition, arguing that his detention violates constitutional rights. Vermont lawmakers, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, along with Representative Becca Balint, have condemned the arrest, labeling it “immoral” and “illegal.” They have called for his immediate release, citing the unjust nature of his detention.
This incident is not isolated, as another Columbia student, Mahmoud Khalil, was similarly detained recently. Critics argue that these arrests are part of a larger effort to stifle free speech and intimidate student activists.
The situation has raised serious concerns about the rights of student activists and the protection of legal immigration status, as Mahdawi’s detention represents what many see as an unjust crackdown on peaceful activism. Protests continue in NYC, with demonstrators demanding Mahdawi’s freedom and denouncing the crackdown on activism.
