New York, NY—Yesterday, Columbia University student activist Mohsen Mahdawi was detained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at a citizenship appointment in Colchester, Vermont. Mahdawi has a green card and has lived in the United States for over a decade.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“The detention of Mohsen Mahdawi is an assault on our democracy, due process and free speech. Mahdawi is a legal permanent resident, who has not been accused of any crime. The fact that this abduction occurred at an appointment that related to his naturalization interview demonstrates the cruelty and disregard this administration has for the rule of law, and the hypocrisy of demanding people emigrate the ‘right way.’ Once again, the Trump administration is ripping a page from the authoritarian playbook by weaponizing immigration law to silence dissent and suppress activism. We demand the immediate release of Mr. Mahdawi, and call on elected officials to stand up and defend the principles of justice and liberty enshrined in the constitution.”