Palestinian Student Detained at Citizenship Interview in Vermont

Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student at Columbia University, was arrested by ICE agents on Monday while attending his U.S. citizenship interview in Vermont, despite holding a green card since 2015. His arrest is being viewed as retaliation for his activism, particularly his leadership in pro-Palestinian protests, and has sparked outrage among civil rights advocates and political figures. Mahdawi's attorneys argue that his detention is unconstitutional and a violation of free speech rights, as he was targeted for his identity and views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They have filed a court petition seeking to prevent his deportation, highlighting concerns over the Trump administration's crackdown on immigrant protesters. Mahdawi's case reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny and detention of foreign students engaged in political activism, particularly those opposing U.S. foreign policy in the region. His detention follows similar actions against other students involved in the pro-Palestine movement, raising fears about the impact on free expression in academic settings.