A 34-year-old permanent resident, Mohsen Mahdawi, was detained by masked men in plainclothes during a scheduled citizenship interview in Colchester, Vermont. Despite being a lawful resident for 10 years and advocating for peace, Mahdawi’s lawyers claim the detention is retaliation against his Palestinian identity and advocacy on behalf of Palestinians.
The incident occurred at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services office, where Mahdawi was accompanied by supporters, including Senator Becca White and friend Christopher Helali. Witnesses described the scene as “horrific” and an “absolute injustice,” with Mahdawi being handcuffed and put into a vehicle without explanation from the authorities.
Mahdawi’s lawyers have filed a petition alleging unlawful detention in the US District Court in Vermont, and a temporary restraining order has been issued to prevent his removal from the country pending further orders. Senators Bernie Sanders, Peter Welch, and Becca Balint have condemned the arrest as “immoral, inhumane, and illegal,” and are calling for Mahdawi’s immediate release.
The detention comes amid reports of increased targeting of Palestinian student activists by immigration authorities, who are allegedly using obscure statutes to deport individuals deemed a threat to the country.
Source: https://vtdigger.org/2025/04/14/a-legal-upper-valley-resident-from-palestine-was-detained-in-colchester-during-citizenship-interview