A federal judge decided on Wednesday that Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University student, can attend his graduation despite ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to deport him.
Recently released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, Mahdawi will be allowed to be in New York for Columbia’s ceremony on May 21.
Judge Jeffrey Crawford stated, “Mr. Mahdawi is permitted to travel to New York around May 15, 2025, and will return to Vermont around May 25, 2025, to participate in graduation ceremonies and related events.”
Mahdawi, who holds a green card and has been involved in campus activities, was arrested during a naturalization hearing in April. The federal government sought to deport him based on a provision allowing the Secretary of State to target foreign individuals deemed threats to U.S. foreign policy.
Prosecutors contested his attendance at graduation.
Using his freedom, Mahdawi has opposed actions taken by the Trump administration and has voiced support for Colombian pro-Palestinian protesters.
After becoming a notable activist released under recent federal policies, he remarked, “While many students remain in ICE custody, I was granted the ‘privilege’ of experiencing justice outside of prison.” He continued, expressing his resilience, “Even after spending 16 nights in a cell, I never lost hope in the promise of justice and democracy’s principles.” He hopes to be a citizen of the U.S. because of his belief in those principles.
