U.S. immigration detains Palestinian activist for advocating peace

In the United States, Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian man and legal permanent resident since 2014, was arrested on April 14, 2025, at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Colchester, Vermont. He was detained during an interview aimed at finalizing his U.S. citizenship. Mahdawi had been an outspoken critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and was known for organizing protests while studying at Columbia University. His arrest has raised concerns about free speech and whether it was a retaliatory act against his advocacy for Palestinian human rights. Mahdawi expressed gratitude for the support he has received, stating he feels safe and is focusing on peacemaking, extending his empathy to both Palestinians and Israelis. His detention was orchestrated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, who allegedly shackled him and transported him after the interview, which his lawyers described as a trap aimed at silencing his activism. A federal court is currently reviewing his case, with a status conference expected soon. His attorneys are requesting an immediate release, arguing that his continued detainment poses a grave threat to free speech. The U.S. government, through the Justice Department, has not publicly disclosed the reasons for Mahdawi’s detention, although a memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicates that his activities could potentially harm U.S. foreign policy interests. This situation has prompted allegations of unlawful retaliation against Mahdawi for his political beliefs, specifically those related to advocating for Palestinian human rights. His case reflects broader tensions surrounding immigration and speech rights in the United States, particularly when it comes to political activism. Mahdawi was born in a refugee camp in the West Bank and moved to the U.S. in 2014. He has recently completed coursework at Columbia University and was preparing to graduate before beginning a master’s program. Amidst this distressing situation, he remains hopeful about achieving justice and maintaining his commitment to the democratic principles of the United States, which he learned during his citizenship preparation. His ongoing legal challenges serve as a stark reminder of the contentious intersection of immigration law, national security, and human rights.