Judges Reject Deportation Cases Against Pro-Palestinian College Students

Immigration courts terminate proceedings against activists Mohsen Mahdawi and Rümeysa Öztürk

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In two separate cases, immigration judges have terminated deportation proceedings against pro-Palestinian college students Mohsen Mahdawi and Rümeysa Öztürk, finding that the Department of Homeland Security failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove they posed a threat to U.S. foreign policy. The students, who were labeled as risks by former Secretary of State Marco Rubio, argued their detentions were due to their constitutionally protected speech advocating for Palestinian rights.

Why it matters

These rulings are seen as victories for free speech and due process, as the cases highlight concerns about the government targeting activists and students for their political views. The decisions renew hope that dissent will not be met with intimidation and detention, even for controversial causes.

The details

In Mahdawi's case, the judge found that the DHS failed to properly authenticate a memo allegedly signed by Rubio claiming the Columbia University student was a foreign policy threat. Öztürk, a Tufts University PhD student, was also labeled a risk by Rubio. Both students argued they were being targeted for their pro-Palestinian advocacy and organizing. While the Trump administration can appeal the rulings, the judges' findings that the government did not meet its burden of proof were seen as important victories.

  • In mid-April 2025, Mohsen Mahdawi was arrested by U.S. immigration authorities during his naturalization interview.
  • On February 9, 2026, an immigration court terminated removal proceedings against Tufts University student Rümeysa Öztürk.
  • On an unspecified date in early 2026, an immigration judge terminated deportation proceedings against Mohsen Mahdawi.

The players

Mohsen Mahdawi

A Columbia University student and Palestinian activist who was arrested by U.S. immigration authorities in mid-April 2025.

Rümeysa Öztürk

A Tufts University PhD student who was detained by federal agents in March and had her deportation case terminated in February 2026.

Marco Rubio

The former U.S. Secretary of State who labeled both Mahdawi and Öztürk as threats to U.S. foreign policy.

Nina Froes

The immigration judge who terminated deportation proceedings against Mohsen Mahdawi.

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What they’re saying

“I am grateful to the court for honoring the rule of law and holding the line against the government's attempts to trample on due process. This decision is an important step towards upholding what fear tried to destroy: the right to speak for peace and justice.”

— Mohsen Mahdawi

“In a climate where dissent is increasingly met with intimidation and detention, today's ruling renews hope that due process still applies and that no agency stands above the Constitution.”

— Mohsen Mahdawi

“Today, I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that despite the justice system's flaws, my case may give hope to those who have also been wronged by the U.S. government. Though the pain that I and thousands of other women wrongfully imprisoned by ICE have faced cannot be undone, it is heartening to know that some justice can prevail after all.”

— Rümeysa Öztürk

What’s next

The Trump administration can appeal the rulings terminating deportation proceedings against Mohsen Mahdawi and Rümeysa Öztürk, so their cases will likely continue to play out in federal court.

The takeaway

These court decisions are seen as important victories for free speech and due process, pushing back against the government's attempts to target and detain activists and students for their political views, even on controversial issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.