A United States immigration judge has ordered the removal of Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student Mohsen Mahdawi, in a case that has drawn national attention over free speech and immigration rights.
The ruling directs Mahdawi’s deportation to Jordan, according to court filings made public on Wednesday.
Mahdawi has appealed the decision with support from the American Civil Liberties Union, which announced the move in a statement.
Reacting to the ruling, Mahdawi said, “I take this fight to the First Circuit with love and faith — because the First Amendment is sacred, and I refuse to be silenced.”
Despite the deportation order, he is not expected to be removed immediately. The ACLU noted that a separate habeas corpus petition he filed challenging the government’s actions on First Amendment grounds remains active before the courts.
Mahdawi became a prominent figure after immigration authorities detained him during a naturalisation appointment last year. His arrest came amid a broader crackdown by the administration of Donald Trump on international students involved in pro-Palestinian activism.
Government officials have argued that his activities conflicted with U.S. foreign policy interests, while supporters maintain that his actions were protected under free speech laws. A federal judge later ordered his release.
While studying at Columbia University, Mahdawi co-founded the Palestinian Student Union alongside fellow activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was also detained by authorities. Mahdawi has lived in the United States for more than a decade and holds permanent resident status through a green card.
According to his legal team, the Board of Immigration Appeals reinstated removal proceedings against him in April. After informing the court that he would not seek asylum, an immigration judge issued a deportation order on June 3.
Commenting on the case, Mahdawi said, “When a government weaponizes immigration to punish speech, millions of immigrants and citizens feel that blow.”
“This fight belongs to all who believe in democracy and every person willing to stand together in defense of the First Amendment.”
The case is expected to continue through the appeals process as legal challenges to the deportation order move forward.
