Columbia Activist’s Deportation Upheld | Albany News

A federal appeals court has sided with the government, reversing a lower court’s order to release pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi — a Columbia grad and refugee camp-born resident — paving the way for his deportation after over a year of legal battles. The court ruled the judge overstepped by intervening before immigration court proceedings were complete, while declining to address Mahdawi’s central claim that he was targeted for criticizing Israel. His lawyers argue he must remain free during appeal, and Mahdawi called the ruling a “grave setback” that empowers the government to silence dissent. The case echoes that of fellow Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, and follows a broader Trump-era crackdown on noncitizens protesting Gaza. DHS has not yet commented. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/782b22fb6b44ec97