A student from Palestine has been released from an American prison after a court decision
1 may 2025 в 06:13
The administration of Donald Trump has tightened immigration policy since he took office in January. Reports of deportations have increased, and among them was Palestinian student Mohsen Mahdavi from Columbia University. Mahdavi had been in custody at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Vermont since April 14, 2025. But with a recent judge’s order for his release from federal detention, Mahdavi’s case became a national headline.
In response to the judge’s order for Mahdavi’s release, Deputy Secretary for National Security Affairs Trisha McLaughlin issued a statement saying, «It is a privilege to obtain a visa or green card to live and study in the United States of America. When you support violence, glorify and support terrorists who rejoice in the killing of Americans, and persecute Jews, this privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country».
McLaughlin apparently referred to Mahdavi’s association with a pro-Palestinian student group at Columbia and his criticism of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.
After being released on bail on April 30, 2025, two weeks after his arrest, Mahdavi sent a message to the Trump administration: «I say this loud and clear to President Trump and his cabinet: I am not afraid of you», - he said.
Learn more about Mahdavi below.
34-year-old Mahdavi was born in a refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In 2014, he moved to the United States.
After moving to the US, Mahdavi became a lawful permanent resident for 10 years and lived in Hartford, Vermont.
According to several sources, Mahdavi, along with another permanent Palestinian resident of the US named Mahmoud Khalil, has also reportedly been detained.
It is expected that Mahdavi will complete his studies at Columbia in May 2025 before starting a master’s program at the university, according to NBC5
In response to the judge’s order for Mahdavi’s release, Deputy Secretary for National Security Affairs Trisha McLaughlin issued a statement saying, «It is a privilege to obtain a visa or green card to live and study in the United States of America. When you support violence, glorify and support terrorists who rejoice in the killing of Americans, and persecute Jews, this privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country».
McLaughlin apparently referred to Mahdavi’s association with a pro-Palestinian student group at Columbia and his criticism of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.
After being released on bail on April 30, 2025, two weeks after his arrest, Mahdavi sent a message to the Trump administration: «I say this loud and clear to President Trump and his cabinet: I am not afraid of you», - he said.
Learn more about Mahdavi below.
34-year-old Mahdavi was born in a refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In 2014, he moved to the United States.
After moving to the US, Mahdavi became a lawful permanent resident for 10 years and lived in Hartford, Vermont.
According to several sources, Mahdavi, along with another permanent Palestinian resident of the US named Mahmoud Khalil, has also reportedly been detained.
It is expected that Mahdavi will complete his studies at Columbia in May 2025 before starting a master’s program at the university, according to NBC5
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
