A routine naturalization interview at a Vermont immigration office takes an unexpected turn as federal agents detain a prominent pro-Palestinian student activist.

According to The Hill, Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student and green-card holder from Columbia University, was arrested Monday by Department of Homeland Security agents during his naturalization interview in Colchester, Vermont.

The arrest marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration's targeting of pro-Palestinian activists on college campuses. Mahdawi, who played a leadership role in last spring's pro-Palestinian demonstrations, joins Mahmoud Khalil as the second Columbia student to face immigration proceedings amid ongoing protests.

Legal battle unfolds over activist's detention

Attorney Luna Droubi has strongly condemned the arrest, characterizing it as a direct act of retaliation against Mahdawi's Palestinian advocacy. The detention follows apparent targeting by Betar US, a pro-Israel organization that had previously listed Mahdawi on their "deport list" on social media platforms.

The federal government's legal strategy mirrors previous cases against international students. They cite a specific provision in immigration law that permits the Secretary of State to pursue the deportation of non-citizens deemed to create adverse effects for the United States.

A judge has temporarily blocked Mahdawi's deportation, though similar proceedings against fellow Columbia student Khalil received approval to move forward last Friday.

Previous statements challenge government's position

During an earlier "60 Minutes" interview, Mahdawi demonstrated his stance against antisemitism through his response to a protester who had shouted anti-Jewish rhetoric. Attorney Luna Droubi quoted Mahdawi's reaction:

I was shocked and they walked directly to the person and they told him, 'You don't represent us,' to be antisemitic is to be unjust, and the fight for the freedom of Palestine and the fight against antisemitism go hand in hand because a threat to justice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

The Trump administration's actions have sparked debate about the targeting of student activists. While officials claim to be addressing antisemitism and pro-Hamas sentiment, advocates argue the measures specifically target those expressing support for Palestinians or criticism of Israel.

Growing tension between activism and immigration enforcement

Columbia University has maintained silence on the matter, declining to comment on Mahdawi's arrest. The Department of Homeland Security has yet to respond to media inquiries about the detention.

The case highlights increasing scrutiny of international students involved in campus activism. Federal authorities continue to expand their focus on demonstrators, particularly those with non-citizen status.

Immigration officials appear to be leveraging deportation proceedings as a tool against campus protesters, raising concerns about potential implications for academic freedom and protest rights.

Student activist faces uncertain future

Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student and green-card holder at Columbia University, remains in federal custody following his arrest by DHS agents during a naturalization interview in Vermont. The detention, which his attorney describes as retaliation for his pro-Palestinian advocacy, has drawn attention to the broader crackdown on campus activism.

While a judge has temporarily blocked his deportation, Mahdawi faces continuing legal challenges as federal authorities pursue proceedings under immigration law provisions targeting non-citizens deemed adversarial to U.S. interests.