Columbia University student and Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi, who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during what was supposed to be a naturalization interview, says his arrest should be "a red flag" to Americans who value their freedom as much as he does.
“Before coming to this country, freedom was just a concept. But the actual experience of freedom of movement to travel among 50 states, freedom to breathe the breeze of the ocean, and to feel your toes in the sand. This is the first place I have experienced this freedom of speech where I will not be actually retaliated against or punished for saying my mind,” Mahdawi told NPR's "Morning Edition" in the first full interview of a detained international student under President Trump’s crackdown.
“Do I still feel this way? I think it's in jeopardy. I think this is a red flag, not only to me, but to the American people who care about freedom, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I have the hope that this country will fulfill its promise,” he added.
Mahdawi, a green-card holder currently being held in the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans, Vt., was looking to become a citizen after living in the U.S. for 10 years.
"When I get the appointment the first thing was uh… is this a trap or is it legit? And I realized directly that I am dealing with two extreme opposite poles. One is becoming a citizen with full rights, and the other one is being detained and having no rights," he said.
"I see the risk, I see the opportunity, and I want the American people to see this, too. To see this level of injustice. That I am doing everything legally, that I have prepared and studied for the Constitution and that I went willingly and respected the law, did everything the way how it's supposed to be done."
Images of Mahdawi flashing the peace sign as he was led away by plainclothes officers went viral after his arrest on April 14.
The judge in his case has ruled he is not to be deported for now.
The “activities and presence of Mahdawi in the United States undermines U.S. policy to combat antisemitism,” the federal government argues in a court filing, although did not provide specific evidence.
Mahdawi, who has denounced antisemitism multiple times, accuses the government of weaponizing it to attack higher education.
Since Trump began his second term, at least dozens of foreign students and faculty have been arrested under allegations they threaten the foreign policy of the United States and the fight against antisemitism.
Asked if he still wants to be a U.S. citizen, Mahdawi said, "It's up to the American people to decide what path they would want to take, whether to have the path where they welcome me as a citizen of this country or not."
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