Temporary Restraining Order obtained on behalf of Mohsen Mahdawi

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

New York, NY: On April 14, 2025, Mr. Mahdawi was attending his naturalization interview when he was unlawfully detained by ICE.

Mr. Mahdawi grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp to attend an ivy league university. He believes in peace and unity despite having witnessed atrocities many of us cannot comprehend. His detention that appears to be based on defamatory statements by non-governmental actors and opponents of Palestinian human rights should outrage us all.

Yesterday, BLH and his other attorneys filed and received a temporary restraining order from a a federal judge in the District of Vermont. We immediately alerted authorities of the order and they confirmed receipt. As a result, it is our understanding and belief that Mr. Mahdawi will remain in the District of Vermont. Any decision to remove him would be in direct violation of that court order.

"The Trump administration detained Mohsen Mahdawi in direct retaliation for his advocacy on behalf of Palestinians and because of his identity as a Palestinian. His detention is an attempt to silence those who speak out against the atrocities in Gaza. It is also unconstitutional," said one of his attorneys, Luna Droubi.

Contacts:

Luna Droubi