Appeals court reverses Mahdawi release

The United States — United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit reversed a lower court decision that had ordered the release of pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University graduate and legal permanent resident. The appeals panel found that the Vermont judge overstepped by intervening before Mahdawi exhausted immigration court remedies. Mahdawi was arrested in April 2025 during a citizenship interview as part of the United States — Presidency of Donald Trump's efforts to deport noncitizens who criticized Israel. He was released after two weeks by Judge Geoffrey Crawford. The ruling mirrors a similar decision against Mahmoud Khalil. Mahdawi can still challenge deportation after a final order. The case involves other activists like Detention of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts student. The ACLU represents Mahdawi.