Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian permanent resident and vocal critic of the Gaza conflict, was arrested by ICE during what he thought would be an interview to finalize his citizenship. His attorneys argue that his detention is politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissent regarding U.S. policies in Gaza. Born in a West Bank refugee camp, Mahdawi was expected to graduate from Columbia University soon. His case unfolds alongside that of fellow student Mahmoud Khalil, raising concerns over the treatment of activists in higher education amidst political tensions surrounding Israel and Palestine.
The Trump administration detained Mohsen Mahdawi in direct retaliation for his advocacy on behalf of Palestinians and because of his identity as a Palestinian. His detention is an attempt to silence those who speak out against the atrocities in Gaza.
Mahdawi was a committed Buddhist who believes in non-violence and empathy as a central tenet of his religion, and he co-founded the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia.
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