Palestinian advocate detained at naturalization interview, released after judge finds First Amendment violation
Apr 30, 2025

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
Sources
- Federal court orders release of pro-Palestinian US permanent resident from ICE custody
- Mohsen Mahdawi walked out of Vermont courthouse after judge orders his release from ICE custody
Boston Globe·Apr 30, 2025·archived copy
- assets.aclu.org
- Federal Judge Releases Mohsen Mahdawi After Being Detained for Lawful Speech | The Insightful Immigration Blog
blog.cyrusmehta.com·May 4, 2025·archived copy
- CourtListener
- Federal Court Orders Columbia Student Mohsen Mahdawi Released on Bail | American Civil Liberties Union
- Government Seeks to Resume Immigration Proceedings Against Mohsen Mahdawi | American Civil Liberties Union
- Federal Court Orders BLH Client Mohsen Mahdawi Released on Bail
blhny.com·May 1, 2025·archived copy
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