Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi has been freed following a federal judge's decision in Vermont. He was arrested by armed Department of Homeland Security agents weeks ago and held at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans, Vermont.
Mahdawi, a native of a refugee camp in the West Bank, was taken into custody on April 14 while heading to a naturalization interview. His release, marked by a spirited declaration of fearlessness towards President Trump and his administration, was met with cheers from a supportive crowd.
U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford's order for Mahdawi's release resonates with ongoing struggles of detained college students like Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk. Mahdawi emphasized the interconnectedness of their freedom and the importance of justice prevailing.
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the administration's commitment to upholding immigration laws despite the court's decision. The Department of Justice has yet to comment on the matter.
Mahdawi's detention and subsequent release have sparked outrage from U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and Vermont's congressional delegation, denouncing the treatment as immoral and illegal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the detention citing adverse foreign policy consequences.
This article has been updated for accuracy.
Author: Fernando Cervantes Jr., Trending News Reporter for USA TODAY. Contact: fernando.cervantes@gannett.com | Twitter: @fern_cerv_