Supporters Rally for Mohsen Mahdawi, Arrested During Immigration Interview
BURLINGTON, Vt. — A significant gathering of advocates and supporters convened outside a Vermont courthouse on Wednesday in solidarity with Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian man known for his activism against the ongoing war in Gaza. Mahdawi, who is a legal permanent resident, faced arrest during an immigration interview aimed at finalizing his U.S. citizenship.
Details of the Arrest
On April 14, Mahdawi was apprehended by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a decade of residency in the United States. He made a preliminary court appearance on Wednesday, where the judge issued a temporary order allowing him to remain in Vermont until a subsequent hearing scheduled for next week.
Mahdawi’s attorneys assert that his arrest was a direct response to his advocacy for Palestinian human rights and free speech, claiming that the government lacks substantial grounds for his detention. “What the government provided thus far only establishes that the only basis they have to currently detain him in the manner they did is his lawful speech,” said attorney Luna Droubi after the court proceedings. “We intend on being back in one week’s time to free Mohsen.”
Government’s Position
In response, the government maintains that Mahdawi’s detention is a constitutionally valid element of the deportation process, arguing that district courts lack jurisdiction over these matters. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher stated, “District courts play no role in that process. Consequently, this Court lacks jurisdiction over Petitioner’s claims, which are all, at bottom, challenges to removal proceedings.”
Mahdawi’s legal team contends that his cooperation in the immigration process was not met with any criminal charges. They described his arrest as unprecedented, highlighting that he had not breached any laws and was not classified as a criminal.
Background on Mohsen Mahdawi
Born in a refugee camp in the West Bank, Mahdawi moved to the United States in 2014. He had successfully completed his studies at Columbia University and was expected to graduate in May, with plans to continue his education in a master’s degree program.
As an active student, he organized protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza up until March 2024, often using his platform to voice concerns over human rights issues.
Political Response and Solidarity Efforts
In recent developments, U.S. Senator Peter Welch of Vermont visited Mahdawi in prison and shared insights from their conversation, emphasizing Mahdawi’s commitment to principles of justice and democracy. “I’m staying positive by reassuring myself in the ability of justice and the deep belief of democracy,” Mahdawi stated. He also expressed hope that supporters would remain optimistic as he navigates this challenging situation.
During the rally outside the courthouse, Mahdawi’s attorney read a statement in which Mahdawi encouraged his supporters to “stay positive and believe in the inevitability of justice.” He stressed the importance of the hearing in reinforcing democratic values against potential government overreach.
Wider Implications
The situation has drawn broader attention, as other students facing similar circumstances, like Rumeysa Ozturk from Tufts University, are also being detained under contentious conditions. Congress members from Massachusetts visited Louisiana to meet with some of these students and raised concerns about their treatment in custody, underscoring the ongoing national discourse around free speech and immigration policy.
As Mahdawi’s case progresses towards a scheduled immigration court hearing in Louisiana on May 1, advocates and supporters continue to rally for the release and fair treatment of students detained for their political beliefs.
