US appeals court overturns ruling that freed Columbia activist Mahdawi

A U.S. appeals court has overturned a lower court ruling that led to the release of Columbia University activist Mohsen Mahdawi from immigration detention, marking another setback for the Biden administration's efforts to challenge the Trump-era policies targeting pro-Palestinian activists. The decision came on Tuesday, reversing a 2025 order issued by U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford, who had previously mandated Mahdawi’s release based on claims that he possessed the same free speech protections as U.S. citizens. Mahdawi, a lawful permanent resident born in the occupied West Bank, was arrested in April 2025 after attending what he believed was an interview related to his U.S. citizenship application. He spent two weeks in detention before being released. In May, the Board of Immigration Appeals reinstated deportation proceedings against him, overturning a prior decision by immigration judge Nina Froes, who had ruled that the government had not met its burden of proof and had excluded key evidence from consideration. Froes was subsequently removed from her position by the Trump administration. The appeals court’s reversal of the lower court’s decision aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to target individuals engaged in pro-Palestinian activism. Mahdawi, who has been out of custody since his release, continues to fight his deportation through legal channels. His case has drawn significant attention as one of the most prominent examples of the administration’s strategy to use immigration enforcement as a tool against foreign students and activists expressing dissenting views. In a statement following the reinstatement of his deportation case, Mahdawi condemned the Trump administration for using the immigration system to suppress political expression. He described himself as a “stateless Palestinian refugee” and claimed that the government sought to punish him for advocating human dignity and equal rights for Palestinians. “I remain unafraid and faithful that justice will prevail in America and in Palestine,” he said. The administration has defended its actions by citing the authority of Secretary of State Marco Rubio to initiate deportation proceedings against non-citizens whose presence might pose “adverse foreign policy consequences.” This rationale has been used to justify the targeted removal of pro-Palestinian activists, including Mahdawi, despite their status as lawful residents. Human rights advocates, however, argue that such measures constitute retaliation against constitutionally protected speech. Mahdawi’s case reflects a larger pattern of legal battles involving pro-Palestinian students and activists at U.S. universities. These cases often involve allegations of political bias, procedural irregularities, and the misuse of immigration laws to silence dissent. Legal experts have noted that the Trump administration’s approach has created a precedent that continues to influence current immigration enforcement strategies, even as new administrations take office. As the legal process unfolds, Mahdawi’s fate remains uncertain. His continued litigation highlights ongoing tensions between national security concerns and civil liberties, particularly in the context of international political activism. The outcome of his case could set important precedents for future cases involving similar circumstances.