Judge Releases Columbia Anti-Israel Agitator, He Vows ‘I’m Not Afraid’ of Trump [WATCH]

JuA federal judge in Vermont has ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student at Columbia University who was arrested earlier this month by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following his involvement in anti-Israel protests on campus.

U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford ruled on Wednesday that Mahdawi, 34, does not pose a threat to the public and is not considered a flight risk.

Mahdawi was taken into custody on April 14 while attending a naturalization interview related to his application for U.S. citizenship.

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Mahdawi’s arrest came amid heightened scrutiny of campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas war.

He had served as co-president of the now-suspended Columbia chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), one of the groups leading the protests.

Following his release from the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans, Vermont, Mahdawi made a public statement outside the courthouse aimed directly at the Trump administration.

“I am saying it clear and loud to President Trump and his Cabinet: I am not afraid of you,” Mahdawi said.

BREAKING: Violent Palestinian Mohsen Mahdawi has been released on bail and tells a crowd: “To President Trump and his Cabinet, I am not afraid of you.”

Mahdawi has posted multiple times glorifying Islamic Jihad terrorists—he doesn’t belong in our country.pic.twitter.com/8KOMCxdV1d

— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) April 30, 2025

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The U.S. government argued in court filings that Mahdawi’s detention was a “constitutionally valid aspect of the deportation process.”

The State Department has asserted that Mahdawi is removable under the Immigration and Nationality Act and raised concerns about the implications of his continued presence in the country.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Mahdawi’s actions on campus had the potential to “compromise a compelling U.S. foreign policy interest” and “would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences.”

Officials also cited allegations of “threatening rhetoric and intimidation” against Jewish students during the Columbia demonstrations as justification for the government’s action.

Mahdawi’s attorneys contended that the arrest was retaliation for his role in organizing protests.

They argued that the government’s case against him was politically motivated and based on protected speech.

In court, Judge Crawford expressed concern about the broader implications of Mahdawi’s detention, comparing the current immigration enforcement climate to the “Red Scare” of the 1950s.

Despite the government’s argument, Crawford granted Mahdawi’s release and ruled that he may continue residing in Vermont, return to New York City, and complete his studies at Columbia University.

Following the decision, Mahdawi participated in a demonstration outside the courthouse, leading chants of “Free Palestine” and encouraging others to continue advocating for their causes.

“Never give up on the idea that justice will prevail,” Mahdawi said.

“We want to stand up for humanity, because the rest of the world — not only Palestine — is watching us. And what is going to happen in America is going to affect the rest of the world.”

The case is ongoing, and while Mahdawi has been released from custody, questions remain regarding the final outcome of his immigration status.

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet confirmed whether it will pursue further action.

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