Break the Law, Get Deported: The Case of Mohsen Mahdawi |

The arrest and potential deportation of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian national and organizer of pro-Hamas protests at Columbia University, have sent ripples through mainstream media, igniting debates about national security and immigration policy.

In the United States, a peculiar phenomenon exists where foreign residents who harbor disdain for the country and actively undermine its interests often find themselves not only protected but also championed by certain activist groups. This contradiction raises questions about the protections afforded to individuals who might not survive a day under the regimes they defend.

On April 14, 2025, Mahdawi, a lawful permanent resident, was apprehended by federal immigration officials during what he anticipated would be a routine naturalization interview at a USCIS office in Colchester, Vermont. Instead, he found himself thrust into deportation proceedings.

As a co-founder of the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia University, Mahdawi played a pivotal role in orchestrating protests that not only disrupted campus life but also drew widespread attention for their intensity. His efforts alongside fellow student Mahmoud Khalil—who has also faced deportation proceedings—have brought scrutiny to the actions of international students on U.S. soil.

While some defenders of Mahdawi have attempted to frame these protests as peaceful expressions of dissent, the reality is starkly different. Reports indicate that protesters occupied and barricaded university buildings, disrupting classes and denying access to facilities for many students and faculty, particularly those who identify as Jewish.

In the aftermath of these protests, Columbia University was compelled to suspend in-person classes and requested law enforcement intervention to restore order, resulting in over 100 arrests.

According to the organization Canary Mission, which tracks anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses, Mahdawi’s history is rife with anti-Israel rhetoric. Following Hamas’s violent attacks on October 7, 2023, which left over 1,200 Israelis dead, Mahdawi went so far as to justify these acts of terror and advocate for the eradication of Israel.

His affiliations with groups such as Within Our Lifetime (WOL) and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) further underscore his radical stance. These organizations are known for their vehement opposition to Israel and support for Hamas, a designated terrorist organization in the U.S.

Under U.S. law, all individuals, regardless of their citizenship status, are expected to adhere to legal standards. Permanent residents, however, face additional immigration repercussions for engaging in criminal or disruptive activities. Mahdawi’s arrest aligns with this legal framework and reflects a broader effort by immigration authorities to address unlawful conduct by non-citizens, particularly when such actions threaten public safety or promote extremist ideologies.

Despite claims from Mahdawi’s legal team that his arrest is politically motivated, the evidence suggests that his detention is a direct consequence of his actions—organizing protests that not only violated university regulations but also fostered an atmosphere of intimidation and harassment.

This situation transcends the realm of free speech; it is about upholding the rule of law. Mahdawi’s immigration status does not exempt him from the repercussions of unlawful behavior. Organizing protests that severely disrupt campus operations and instill fear among fellow students cannot be categorized as protected political expression—it is, in fact, unlawful conduct.

For non-citizens, such actions are clear grounds for deportation under established U.S. immigration policies. Assertions that Mahdawi has been denied due process are misleading; U.S. law does not require a trial to deport someone who has violated the conditions of their residency.