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Immigration Judge Blocks Deportation of Columbia Anti-Israel Activist
Mohsen Mahdawi, a pro-Palestinian protest leader, was facing deportation over alleged antisemitic remarks and ties to Hamas.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from deporting Mohsen Mahdawi, a pro-Palestinian protest leader who led anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia University. The judge ruled that federal authorities made a procedural error in their attempt to deport Mahdawi, citing a failure to properly certify a document submitted as evidence.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing tensions between free speech and national security concerns, as the government sought to deport Mahdawi over his political activism and alleged ties to Hamas. The judge's ruling upholds due process and the rule of law, but the Trump administration has vowed to continue its efforts to remove Mahdawi's visa.
The details
Mahdawi, 34, was detained in April 2025 during a citizenship appointment in Vermont and spent more than two weeks in custody before being released on bail. His deportation case stems in part from allegations dating back to 2015, when he was interviewed by the FBI after reportedly making antisemitic remarks at a Vermont gun store and firearms museum.
- On Tuesday, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration's attempt to deport Mohsen Mahdawi.
- Mahdawi was detained in April 2025 during a citizenship appointment in Vermont and spent more than two weeks in custody.
The players
Mohsen Mahdawi
A 34-year-old pro-Palestinian protest leader who co-founded the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia University after a 2023 Hamas terrorist attack.
Nina Froes
The federal judge who blocked the Trump administration's attempt to deport Mohsen Mahdawi, citing a procedural error by federal authorities.
Tricia McLaughlin
A spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, who condemned the judge's ruling and said the Trump administration remains committed to removing Mahdawi's visa.
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
“No activist judge, not this one or any other, is going to stop us from doing that.”
— Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman
What’s next
The Trump administration has vowed to continue its efforts to remove Mahdawi's visa, despite the judge's ruling.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing tensions between free speech and national security concerns, as the government sought to deport Mahdawi over his political activism and alleged ties to Hamas. The judge's ruling upholds due process and the rule of law, but the Trump administration remains committed to removing Mahdawi's visa.
