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Palestinian advocate detained at naturalization interview, released after judge finds First Amendment violation

Apr 30, 2025

Palestinian advocate detained at naturalization interview, released after judge finds First Amendment violation

Mohsen Mahdawi, a lawful permanent resident and Columbia University student, was detained by ICE on April 14, 2025, immediately after his naturalization interview at a USCIS field office in Vermont. Federal Judge Crawford ordered his release on April 30, 2025, after finding that the government arrested him in retaliation for his pro-Palestinian speech and activism, violating his First Amendment and due process rights. The Trump administration had targeted him for lawful political speech deemed contrary to U.S. foreign policy. Mahdawi was released on bail pending resolution of his habeas petition, though he may still face deportation proceedings.

Timeline

Apr 30, 2025Federal Judge Crawford ordered Mahdawi's release on bail, ruling detention violated First Amendment and due process rights and finding arrest was retaliation for pro-Palestinian advocacy
Apr 14, 2025Mahdawi detained by ICE immediately after naturalization interview at USCIS field office in Vermont

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