Community members in Hartland, Vermont, rallied in support of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student detained by ICE during his naturalization interview. Mahdawi, a Palestinian permanent resident, is recognized for his involvement in local activism and workplace roles. His detention has sparked emotional pleas from residents who urge authorities to demonstrate compassion and justice. Legal representatives filed a petition asserting Mahdawi's detention infringes on his free speech rights. This support highlights local resilience against broader crackdowns on international students initiated by the Trump administration and emphasizes community solidarity for Mahdawi's case.
Mahdawi, a Palestinian who has been a U.S. permanent resident for a decade, was taken into custody on April 14 during his naturalization interview to become an American citizen.
The community has rallied behind Mahdawi, 34, who was detained as part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on international students, particularly those involved in campus activism.
As soon as he was detained, his lawyers filed a petition saying Mahdawi was being punished for exercising his freedom of speech and asking that he not be transferred.
Hundreds of people came to their feet as they clapped, showing the overwhelming support from the community in Vermont's Upper Valley.
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