A federal appeals court has overturned a lower court ruling that ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University student detained by U.S. immigration authorities. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the district court lacked jurisdiction to intervene in Mahdawi’s case before it progressed through immigration court proceedings. The decision does not mandate Mahdawi’s re-arrest but allows the government to pursue his deportation.
Mahdawi, a 35-year-old permanent resident born in a West Bank refugee camp, was arrested in April 2025 during a citizenship interview. U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford had previously ordered his release, citing First Amendment protections and lack of flight risk. The appeals court, however, found that the lower court improperly intervened in an ongoing immigration case.
The ruling aligns with a separate decision against Mahmoud Khalil, another Columbia activist targeted by the Trump administration. Mahdawi’s attorneys argue he cannot be detained or deported while his appeal is pending. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), representing Mahdawi, called the decision a "grave setback," while the government has not yet responded.
The case reflects broader tensions over the Trump administration’s policy of deporting noncitizens involved in anti-Israel protests. Critics argue the policy suppresses dissent, while officials claim such activism could harm U.S. foreign policy interests.
Mahdawi remains free pending further legal proceedings.