Columbia Student Detained at Citizenship Interview Amidst Free Speech Concerns

Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student and Palestinian activist, was detained by immigration agents at what he believed was his citizenship interview, just one day after expressing his suspicion that the appointment could be a trap. A native of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and a green card holder for a decade, Mahdawi told CBS News he felt both anticipation and apprehension about the meeting.

He was taken into custody in Vermont, with federal agents observed shortly after his arrival. His attorneys stated he was detained under a rarely used law allowing for the deportation of foreign nationals deemed to pose "serious adverse foreign policy consequences." This action made him the latest student to face detention, following the case of fellow Columbia activist and green card holder Mahmoud Khalil. Mahdawi's legal team has petitioned for his release, alleging that he is being punished for protected speech, violating his First Amendment rights and right to due process.

Mahdawi co-founded Columbia's Palestinian Student Union in 2023 and was later involved in campus protests against Israel's war in Gaza. He reported facing "threats" and "intimidation" after discussing the protests in a "60 Minutes" interview. He also drew the attention of Betar USA, a pro-Israel group, which had previously tweeted that Mahdawi was on its "deport list."

After Khalil's detention, Mahdawi took precautions for his safety but chose to attend his citizenship appointment despite his suspicions. He expressed his acceptance of the potential outcome, hoping his story would contribute to the struggle for justice and democracy.