Lawyers Demand Release of Detained Palestinian Activist in Vermont/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A Palestinian activist arrested during his U.S. citizenship interview seeks immediate release. His lawyers argue the arrest retaliates against protected political speech. The government says the detention is part of a lawful deportation process. Mahdawi remains detained in Vermont. A court hearing is set for next week as supporters rally for his release.
Palestinian Protest Leader’s Arrest Spurs Legal Battle in Vermont — Quick Looks
- Who: Mohsen Mahdawi, Palestinian activist and Columbia University student
- What: Lawyers request his immediate release from ICE custody
- Where: Detained at a Vermont facility after a citizenship interview
- Why: Lawyers allege retaliation for pro-Palestinian speech on Gaza
- When: Arrested April 14; court hearing scheduled for April 23
- Gov’t Stance: Says arrest follows legal deportation protocol, not retaliation
- Immigration Grounds: Cited as a national security risk by State Department
- Support: Sen. Peter Welch met with Mahdawi, calls for due process
- Next Court Hearing: Federal judge set hearing for next week
Deep Look: Lawyers Ask Judge to Free Palestinian Activist Detained During Citizenship Interview
BURLINGTON, Vt. — April 23, 2025 — Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian graduate student and outspoken critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, remains in detention following a surprise arrest during his U.S. citizenship interview earlier this month. A federal judge on Wednesday extended a temporary order barring his removal from Vermont or the U.S., and scheduled a hearing for next week. Attorneys for a Palestinian student activist arrested during his citizenship interview are urging a federal judge to order his immediate release, calling the case a chilling example of political retaliation against protected speech.
Mahdawi, a longtime U.S. resident and recent Columbia University graduate, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on April 14 during what he believed would be a routine naturalization appointment at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Colchester, Vermont.
According to court filings, Mahdawi was arrested moments after signing a pledge to uphold the U.S. Constitution — a document he had hoped to soon call his own. Instead, masked ICE agents shackled him and took him to Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans, where he remains held.
Lawyers Claim Retaliation for Political Speech
Mahdawi’s legal team says the arrest was unlawful retaliation tied to his vocal criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and his leadership of pro-Palestinian protests while a student at Columbia.
“We ask this court to suspend this unlawful retaliation and slow the grave threat to free speech posed by his continued detainment,” the attorneys argued in a Tuesday court filing.
They’re requesting his release on bail while he awaits a May 1 immigration court hearing in Louisiana.
Government Argues Arrest Was Lawful
In response, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Vermont insists the detention is fully legal, calling it “a constitutionally valid aspect of the deportation process.” Prosecutors say the district court has no authority to intervene in how or when removal proceedings are initiated.
“This Court lacks jurisdiction,” wrote Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher, noting that Mahdawi’s claims ultimately challenge the broader deportation process.
National Security Label Sparks Outrage
Mahdawi’s deportation notice cites a section of the Immigration and Nationality Act typically reserved for national security threats, stating his presence in the U.S. could have “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.”
The classification stems from a determination by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who recently announced visa cancellations for individuals allegedly acting against U.S. foreign policy interests — including critics of Israel’s Gaza war.
Mahdawi, born in a refugee camp in the West Bank, came to the U.S. in 2014 and had recently completed coursework at Columbia. He was set to graduate in May and begin a master’s program in the fall.
‘It Was a Trap,’ Lawyers Say
The arrest stunned many in the academic and legal communities. His attorneys described the incident as a set-up, orchestrated under the guise of a citizenship interview.
“This was a trap,” the lawyers said bluntly.
A judge has since barred federal authorities from removing Mahdawi from Vermont or the U.S. pending further proceedings.
Senator Calls for Transparency
Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), who visited Mahdawi in prison on Monday, posted a video of their conversation on X (formerly Twitter), in which the activist said he remained optimistic and committed to peace.
“I’m staying positive by reassuring myself in the ability of justice and the deep belief in democracy,” Mahdawi said. “This is the reason I wanted to become a citizen of this country — because I believe in its principles.”
What’s Next?
Mahdawi remains in ICE custody with a May 1 immigration court date set in Louisiana. His attorneys continue to push for his release, warning that his detention has serious implications for free speech, academic freedom, and immigrant rights.
The federal court in Burlington is expected to rule soon on the emergency request.
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