A Palestinian student who was arrested by federal agents in Colchester on Monday has been ordered not to be removed from the United States by a federal court judge.Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi, who is also a resident of White River Junction, was arrested while conducting an interview as part of his ongoing efforts to obtain United States citizenship, NBC5 has learned.Vermont Sen. Becca White, D-Windsor County, told NBC5 that she was in Colchester to support Mahdawi, who is one of her constituents when she captured his arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on video.”He was targeted for free speech reasons,” White said. “No matter what your citizenship is, when you are in the United States, you have a first amendment right. That’s how it works.”Following his arrest, Federal Court Judge William Sessions III ordered that Madawi could not be removed from the country or out of Vermont pending further order from the court. Mahdawi was part of the highly-publicized Columbia University student protests last year against the war in Gaza. White said she believes his participation in those protests made him a target for deportation.White said that Mahdawi, who is in the United States legally, had his green card suddenly revoked, according to his lawyer. White said she is friends with Mahdawi and was asked to be at his citizenship interview for his safety.The arrest happened at an office on Mountain View Drive.White said the hours after Mahdawi’s arrest have been confusing and emotional.”He is so immersed in our community. This isn’t some random person, this is someone who is embedded in our community,” White said. “Even as a student at Columbia University, he’s still involved in Upper Valley stuff. I’m shocked because if he can be taken, anyone can be taken.”The Vermont Congressional Delegation said Mahdawi was allegedly in Colchester for the final step in his citizenship process.The delegation released the following statement, saying:”Earlier today, Mohsen Mahdawi of White River Junction, Vermont, walked into an immigration office for what was supposed to be the final step in his citizenship process. Instead, he was arrested and removed in handcuffs by plain-clothed, armed individuals with their faces covered. “These individuals refused to provide any information as to where he was being taken or what would happen to him. This is immoral, inhumane, and illegal. Mr. Mahdawi, a legal resident of the United States, must be afforded due process under the law and immediately released from detention.” A federal court judge in Burlington has ordered Mahdawi not be removed from Vermont or the U.S. Additionally, his attorneys have filed a temporary restraining order to keep the government from moving him out of Vermont.
A Palestinian student who was arrested by federal agents in Colchester on Monday has been ordered not to be removed from the United States by a federal court judge.
Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi, who is also a resident of White River Junction, was arrested while conducting an interview as part of his ongoing efforts to obtain United States citizenship, NBC5 has learned.
Advertisement
Vermont Sen. Becca White, D-Windsor County, told NBC5 that she was in Colchester to support Mahdawi, who is one of her constituents when she captured his arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on video.
“He was targeted for free speech reasons,” White said. “No matter what your citizenship is, when you are in the United States, you have a first amendment right. That’s how it works.”
Following his arrest, Federal Court Judge William Sessions III ordered that Madawi could not be removed from the country or out of Vermont pending further order from the court.
Mahdawi was part of the highly-publicized Columbia University student protests last year against the war in Gaza. White said she believes his participation in those protests made him a target for deportation.
White said that Mahdawi, who is in the United States legally, had his green card suddenly revoked, according to his lawyer. White said she is friends with Mahdawi and was asked to be at his citizenship interview for his safety.
The arrest happened at an office on Mountain View Drive.
White said the hours after Mahdawi’s arrest have been confusing and emotional.
“He is so immersed in our community. This isn’t some random person, this is someone who is embedded in our community,” White said. “Even as a student at Columbia University, he’s still involved in Upper Valley stuff. I’m shocked because if he can be taken, anyone can be taken.”
The Vermont Congressional Delegation said Mahdawi was allegedly in Colchester for the final step in his citizenship process.
The delegation released the following statement, saying:
“Earlier today, Mohsen Mahdawi of White River Junction, Vermont, walked into an immigration office for what was supposed to be the final step in his citizenship process. Instead, he was arrested and removed in handcuffs by plain-clothed, armed individuals with their faces covered.
“These individuals refused to provide any information as to where he was being taken or what would happen to him. This is immoral, inhumane, and illegal. Mr. Mahdawi, a legal resident of the United States, must be afforded due process under the law and immediately released from detention.”
A federal court judge in Burlington has ordered Mahdawi not be removed from Vermont or the U.S. Additionally, his attorneys have filed a temporary restraining order to keep the government from moving him out of Vermont.
