Federal judge intervenes to keep detained Columbia student in Vermont

In the United States, a federal judge in Vermont has set a hearing to decide the fate of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student who was arrested last week by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during his citizenship interview. The hearing is scheduled for the upcoming Wednesday, with a focus on whether Mahdawi should be released while his case is being evaluated. During the hearing, which took place recently, Mahdawi was present and expressed gratitude for the treatment he received while detained in Vermont. His attorneys also argued that the case presents significant First Amendment issues that should remain under the jurisdiction of the federal court rather than being transferred to an immigration court. The situation is further complicated by Mahdawi's status as a permanent resident who was nearing the final step in his process to become a U.S. citizen at the time of his arrest. Mahdawi’s detention raises concerns about the disruption of his education and the necessity of his release to avoid further punitive consequences. A temporary restraining order has been issued by U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford to keep Mahdawi in Vermont, thereby preventing any potential transfer to another state that could complicate the jurisdiction of the case. The judge’s concerns were echoed by Mahdawi's attorneys, who stated he is not a flight risk or a danger to the community. In a court filing, they emphasized the importance of allowing Mahdawi to continue his education while his case is pending and argued against the potential violation of his rights. The government has been given a deadline to respond to the motion for Mahdawi's release. The case highlights ongoing discussions around immigration rights and due process regarding individuals who face deportation or detention, especially those actively pursuing legal residency in the United States.