Judge William Sessions in Vermont has ordered the Trump administration not to deport Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi. Mahdawi, who was born in a Palestinian refugee camp, was arrested during a citizenship interview and faces potential deportation. His lawyers argue that the government is targeting him for advocating peace in Gaza.
This case is similar to that of another Palestinian student activist, Mahmoud Khalil, who was detained in New York and is facing deportation. The Trump administration has been criticized for targeting foreign students who support Palestinians and criticize Israel, with some saying it violates their First Amendment rights.
Senator Chris Van Hollen and Vermont’s congressional delegation have called Mahdawi’s detention immoral and illegal, demanding due process and his immediate release. Mahdawi was taken from an immigration office in handcuffs, sparking outrage.
The Trump administration has previously defied court orders on immigration matters and has not sought the return of Salvadoran citizen Kilmar Abrego Garcia after he was mistakenly deported.
Mahdawi’s case highlights the political tensions surrounding immigration and free speech rights in the United States. Supporters of Mahdawi are calling for his release and for his rights to be respected.
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