The Brian Lehrer Show Mohsen Mahdawi's Case
Dec 22, 2025
Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student leader, shares his harrowing experience of being detained by ICE while pursuing U.S. citizenship. Joined by Nathan Fried-Wessler of the ACLU, they delve into the legal implications of Mohsen's case and its ties to broader civil rights issues. They discuss the pro-Palestinian movement, the interconnectedness of various justice struggles, and Mohsen's vision for peace in the region. Their conversation highlights the necessity of dignity, rights, and the challenges facing immigrant activism.
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Court Review At Stake
- Nathan Fried-Wessler warns the government seeks power to detain non-citizens indefinitely for protected speech.
- He frames the case as crucial to judicial review and stopping retaliation for First Amendment activity.
Unprecedented Use Of Deportation Law
- The government is using a rarely applied foreign-policy deportation statute in an unprecedented way.
- Nathan says prior uses targeted violent or criminal actors, not lawful permanent residents exercising speech.
Arrest During Citizenship Interview
- Mohsen Mahdawi describes being arrested handcuffed immediately after saying he would take the oath during his citizenship interview.
- He spent 16 days in a Vermont detention center and feared transfer to Louisiana before release on bail.