New York: United States immigration officials on Monday arrested a Columbia University student, Mohsen Mahdawi, during his interview for American citizenship. He was among those who participated in pro-Palestinian protests on campus.

Lawyers for Mahdawi have filed a court petition seeking his release and a halt to any potential deportation. They have argued that President Donald Trump’s increased efforts to target immigrant student protesters violate the US Constitution. This case adds to growing legal challenges against the Republican administration.

Student and activist

Born in the occupied West Bank, Mahdawi has been a legal permanent resident in the US since 2015. He is due to graduate from Columbia University next month and had planned to begin a master’s programme at the same institution in the autumn, according to the court filing.

He co-founded a Palestinian student group at Columbia with Mahmoud Khalil, another prominent figure in the movement. Khalil was arrested in March, and the Trump administration has also attempted to deport him.

Lawmakers condemn arrest

“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,” said Senator Bernie Sanders in a statement co-signed by other lawmakers from Vermont.

A video shared online by Mahdawi’s friends appears to show masked officers placing someone into a black SUV.

Court blocks deportation

District Judge William Sessions has issued a temporary restraining order to prevent Mahdawi’s deportation or transfer out of Vermont, pending further instructions from the court, according to legal documents.

Mahdawi’s case follows the arrests of other student activists, including Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish student at Tufts University, and Yunseo Chung, a South Korean national and Columbia student. Both are also facing deportation, though court orders have temporarily blocked those removals as well.

Concerns over free speech

The arrest of Khalil and others involved in campus protests has sparked criticism from Trump’s opponents, free speech advocates, and some conservative voices. Many have warned that such actions could suppress the right to free expression.

Student group condemns action

“Mahdawi was active on Columbia's campus in organising for Gaza and Palestine during the course of Israel's genocide in Gaza,” the Palestinian Youth Movement posted on Instagram.

“His targeting represents a continuation of the Trump administration's campaign that began with the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil last month, and an escalation in tactics by ICE and DHS to abduct and detain students and other noncitizens who have been vocal in their opposition to Israel's genocide in Gaza.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Mohsen Mahdawi.”

AFP inputs