A federal appeals court ruled that Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi can remain free from immigration custody during his legal challenge. It rejected the Trump administration’s request to re-detain him after his arrest during a citizenship interview.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit found the government’s claims about jurisdiction and authority weak and unlikely to succeed.
Authorities detained Mahdawi for allegedly causing adverse foreign policy consequences, which he denies, along with accusations of making antisemitic statements and threats.
He has actively participated in pro-Palestinian protests and established the Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund to assist other immigrants confronting similar challenges.
