Federal Judge Orders Release of Detained Anti-Israel Protest Leader at Columbia University

Federal Judge Orders Release of Detained Anti-Israel Protest Leader at Columbia University

A federal judge has granted the release of an anti-Israel protester who played a significant role in organizing demonstrations at Columbia University. This decision, made on Wednesday, marks an important moment in the ongoing discussions surrounding immigration and free speech.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Mohsen Mahdawi, a green card holder, earlier this month in Vermont. U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford issued the order for Mahdawi’s release following a hearing held on Wednesday morning.

Upon leaving the courthouse, Mahdawi expressed his defiance towards authorities, stating, “I’m not afraid of you,” in a message directed at President Donald Trump.

Co-Founder of the Palestinian Student Union

According to court filings, Mahdawi co-founded the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia following the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023. He established this student organization along with Mahmoud Khalil, another pro-Palestinian activist who faced federal immigration actions earlier this year under the Trump administration.

Senators and Congress Member Condemn Arrest

In response to Mahdawi’s detainment, Vermont’s U.S. senators, Bernie Sanders, an independent, and Peter Welch, a Democrat, along with the state’s sole member of Congress, Rep. Becca Balint, also a Democrat, issued strong condemnations. They publicly opposed Mahdawi’s arrest, which took place on April 14.

The three officials released a joint statement indicating that Mahdawi had visited an immigration office for what was expected to be the final step in his citizenship process. Instead, he found himself