Columbia Student Mohsen Mahdawi Arrested at Citizenship Interview: What We Know
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
What Happened
On April 14, Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi was arrested by Homeland Security officers during what he believed would be his final U.S. citizenship interview in Colchester, Vermont. A video shows him flashing a peace sign as he was led away.
Mahdawi had just pledged allegiance to the U.S. and the Constitution. Moments later, masked agents took him into custody. He is now being held in the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans, Vermont.
Who is Mahdawi?
Lawful permanent U.S. resident
Palestinian, raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank
Columbia University student
Co-founder of the school’s Palestinian Student Union
Former president of the Columbia University Buddhist Association
He has lived in the U.S. for 10 years and was pursuing citizenship legally.
Why He Was Arrested
The federal government has not officially detailed the exact cause. However, court documents suggest the arrest was tied to Mahdawi’s activism for Palestinian rights. His lawyers say he was detained “in retaliation” for peacefully protesting Israel’s war in Gaza. They claim the government is targeting students who speak out in support of Palestinian human rights.
What the Government Says
A letter from Secretary of State Marco Rubio submitted in court says Mahdawi’s presence in the U.S. “undermines U.S. policy to combat antisemitism.” It also argues that his activism “potentially undermines” Middle East peace efforts.
The letter includes serious allegations, such as glorifying terrorists and intimidating Jewish students, but no evidence has been presented publicly to support these claims. The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the arrest.
His Legal Case
Mahdawi’s attorneys argue that his First Amendment rights (freedom of speech) and right to due process were violated. A court hearing is scheduled this week in Vermont. The government, however, argues that the court has no authority to intervene in foreign policy issues.
His lawyer, Luna Droubi, called the accusations “completely false,” emphasizing that Mahdawi has consistently condemned antisemitism and advocated for peace.
How Mahdawi Responded
In his first media interview from prison, Mahdawi told NPR he remains calm and hopeful. He meditates daily and believes justice will prevail. He described his arrest as a "trap" but said it has strengthened his commitment to U.S. democratic values. “I still know deeply that this is a level of injustice that I am facing, but I have faith that justice will prevail,” he said.
Mahdawi on Free Speech and Activism
Mahdawi says his activism is rooted in nonviolence and the belief that all children, Israeli and Palestinian, deserve to live in peace. He called the government's accusations a misuse of antisemitism to silence dissent. He referenced Martin Luther King Jr., saying, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Does He Still Want to Be American?
Despite the arrest, Mahdawi says he still wants to be a U.S. citizen. “I have shown my will and desire,” he said, adding that he now places his hope in the American people. “It’s up to the American people to decide what path they want to take — whether to welcome me or not,” he said.
The Bigger Picture
Mahdawi’s case highlights growing tensions over campus activism related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. He is among several international students reportedly facing deportation linked to their pro-Palestinian advocacy.
A ruling on Mahdawi’s release and First Amendment case could set a precedent for how far the government can go in policing political speech by non-citizens.
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