Timeline of Events Leading to Mohsen Mahdawi’s Arrest
1990s–2000s
- Birth and Early Life: Mohsen Mahdawi is born and raised in the Al-Fara’a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. His early life is shaped by the challenges of living under military occupation.
2014
- Immigration to the U.S.: At the age of 24, Mohsen moves to the United States, seeking safety and opportunity.
2015
- Permanent Residency: He is granted lawful permanent resident status (green card) in the U.S.
- Beloved Community Member: Meets and greets folks of all kinds, and finds his home in the Upper Valley of Vermont.
2014–2021
- Education and Leadership Development:
- Begins undergraduate studies in computer science at Lehigh University.
- Transfers to Columbia University to study philosophy in 2021.
- His academic work focuses on ethics, justice, and liberation.
- Begins undergraduate studies in computer science at Lehigh University.
2021–2024
- Activism and Community Building at Columbia:
- Co-founds Dar, a cultural organization for Palestinian students.
- Plays a key role in organizing pro-Palestinian protests.
- Builds coalitions across cultural and political lines, consistently condemning antisemitism while advocating for Palestinian rights.
- Promotes nonviolence and open dialogue, including engagement with Israeli students.
- Co-founds Dar, a cultural organization for Palestinian students.
Fall 2024–Spring 2025
- Graduate School Acceptance: Mohsen is accepted into Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) for a master’s program following his graduation in May 2025.
Early 2025
- Continued Advocacy and Public Presence:
- Becomes increasingly visible in campus activism during heightened national attention on Palestine.
- Maintains peaceful and principled engagement in all advocacy efforts.
- Becomes increasingly visible in campus activism during heightened national attention on Palestine.
April 14, 2025
- Arrest by ICE:
- Mohsen travels to Vermont for what he believes is a routine naturalization interview.
- Upon arrival, he is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Community members, legal advocates, and public figures quickly raise concerns that the arrest is politically motivated in retaliation for his activism.
- Mohsen travels to Vermont for what he believes is a routine naturalization interview.
April 15–Present
- Public Outcry and Legal Efforts:
- A federal judge issues a temporary block on his deportation.
- Support grows nationally, with leaders like Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Peter Welch speaking out.
- A federal judge issues a temporary block on his deportation.
Advocacy groups organize rallies, petitions, and legal support under the banner #FreeMohsen.
