Columbia activist detained during citizenship appointment

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University protest organizer and legal U.S. resident. Mahdawi, a green card holder from Palestine, was arrested by immigration officials during what he believed was a citizenship interview. His attorneys sought a restraining order, arguing his detention violated First Amendment and due process rights. Judge William Sessions granted the order, preventing Mahdawi's transfer or deportation. Mahdawi's lawyers stated that he had been an outspoken critic of Israel and active in campus protests. They argued his removal was based on a provision previously used against another Columbia alumnus, Mahmoud Khalil. A prior ruling allowed for Khalil's deportation despite his legal residency, a victory for the Trump administration. Mahdawi's attorneys emphasized that he has been a lawful permanent resident for ten years. He is expected to graduate from Columbia and has been admitted to a Master's program.