Overview

• Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian-born Columbia University student and activist, was detained during a citizenship interview in Vermont and released on bail after 16 days in custody.
• A federal judge ruled that Mahdawi raised substantial claims that his arrest was an attempt to suppress his pro-Palestinian activism, which the Trump administration alleges threatens U.S. foreign policy.
• Mahdawi, alongside Vermont officials, launched the Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund, aimed at expanding legal aid for immigrants facing deportation and family separation.
• Vermont’s House and Senate passed resolutions condemning Mahdawi’s detention, with Gov. Phil Scott criticizing the federal government’s handling of the arrest as unjustified.
• Mahdawi’s release allows him to attend his Columbia University graduation, though the Trump administration is appealing the decision and pursuing deportation proceedings.