The U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals has reopened deportation proceedings against pro-Palestine student activist Mohsen Mahdawi, according to court documents filed by his legal team.
The decision comes months after an immigration judge rejected efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to deport the Columbia University student following his participation in pro-Palestinian protests on campus.
Judge Nina Fross, who blocked the deportation attempt in February, was dismissed from her position last month. Shortly afterward, the immigration appeals board overturned her ruling, reviving the case against Mahdawi.
The Trump administration has accused activists like Mahdawi of promoting extremism and antisemitism, arguing that their activism threatens U.S. foreign policy interests. However, civil rights advocates and several Jewish organizations say the government is conflating criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza with antisemitism and suppressing legitimate support for Palestinian rights.
In a statement released Wednesday through his legal team, Mahdawi said: “The government continues to weaponize immigration laws to silence dissenting voices.”
Mahdawi was born and raised in a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. He was arrested in April 2025 while attending an interview related to his application for U.S. citizenship. He was released two weeks later by court order and has not been charged with any criminal offense.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which represents Mahdawi, stated that the government cannot deport him at this stage because his arrest remains under challenge in federal court.
The case comes amid a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on pro-Palestinian activism in U.S. universities, including attempts to deport foreign student protesters, threats to cut university funding, and increased monitoring of immigrants’ online activity.
Human rights experts have warned that the measures raise serious concerns over freedom of speech, due process, and academic freedom.
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