The Intercept Briefing

In this week’s episode of The Intercept Briefing, we examine the case of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student whose decadelong journey toward American citizenship ended not with the oath of allegiance, but in handcuffs.On Monday, the Columbia student arrived at his long-awaited citizenship interview in Vermont. Instead, immigration agents arrested him, and he now faces deportation to the occupied West Bank.Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., who represents his district, is outraged and told The Intercept Briefing, “If you'll deny due process from somebody who was in this country with a green card for 10 years, who is somebody who talked about peace and connection between Palestinians and Israelis who was looking to build bridges — if this man is somehow a threat to our society, then we are down a sick path.”Mahdawi spoke to The Intercept the night before his fateful appointment and said he understood the risk he might be facing. He is now the ninth Columbia student targeted for deportation. The Trump administration has revoked or changed over a 1,000 student visas, according to Inside Higher Ed. Mahdawi’s case exemplifies how immigration enforcement is being weaponized, says Balint. “ If they're so proud of what they're doing, then show your damn face, then show your ID. Then talk about what grounds you are holding this person. But it's being done in secret, and it is meant to shock and awe and to get the rest of us to remain silent. They have no evidence, they have no details, which is what we're demanding of both Secretary [Marco] Rubio and Secretary [Kristi] Noem."Immigration lawyer Matt Cameron spoke to The Intercept about the broader implications of the administration’s agenda and said that this is much bigger than just students and immigrants. “ It's a message to student protesters obviously to start with, but it's a message to all of us that our free speech is a liability,” he warned.Cameron pointed to the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was illegally deported to El Salvador and is now imprisoned despite no criminal record. The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered the government to facilitate his return, but so far, the administration has resisted. "This is going to be one of the most important cases of our lifetimes,” said Cameron. “ Even for people who don't think they're interested in following immigration issues: This is for all of us. And you know, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia will be all of us pretty soon here if we don't stay on our rights.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Democratic Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, representing Massachusetts's 7th District, raises alarms over the Trump administration's sweeping use of executive power. She emphasizes the dangerous implications of immigration enforcement, sharing a harrowing story of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Ph.D. student abducted by ICE for her dissenting views. Pressley argues that the violation of constitutional rights could happen to anyone, sparking a crucial discussion on the urgency of safeguarding democracy and the need for strong political resistance against authoritarianism.

Matt Sledge, an Intercept reporter, delves into the grassroots rebellion against Elon Musk, emphasizing the political fallout from Tesla's declining sales. Sunjeev Bery, an Intercept contributor, discusses the Tesla protests as symbols of broader opposition to Musk and Trump. They highlight the growing polarization fueled by community outcry, the links between Musk's leadership and public discontent, and the challenges activists face in navigating free speech amidst corporate influence. This dynamic analysis reveals how grassroots movements could reshape political engagement.

Hoda Osman, executive editor of Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism and pivotal in the Gaza Project, discusses the alarming rise in journalist fatalities during the recent conflict in Gaza. She highlights the harrowing realities of media personnel in war zones and the devastating implications for press freedom. The tragic case of journalist Fadi Awahidi serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced daily. Osman also addresses the ethical dilemmas of using drone technology in reporting and the impact of Israel's stance on the safety of journalists.

Momodou Taal, a Cornell University graduate student and activist, is risking it all amid a looming deportation threat due to his political speech. He discusses the chilling effects of U.S. immigration policies on international students and the mischaracterization of pro-Palestinian activism as antisemitism. Taal shares his harrowing experiences with law enforcement since challenging the Trump administration, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll of advocating for free speech and justice in an increasingly repressive environment.

Pankaj Mishra, the author of 'The World After Gaza,' offers a keen analysis of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its broader implications. He discusses how Israel's recent actions reflect a culture of impunity that resonates with far-right movements worldwide. Mishra critiques the use of Holocaust memory in justifying Western support for Israel and explores the historical ties between colonial legacies and current geopolitics. He also addresses the complexities of nationalism, decolonization, and the evolving narrative surrounding Palestinian solidarity.

In this captivating discussion, Edward Ahmed Mitchell, a civil rights attorney from CAIR, and Meghnad Bose, an investigative journalist, delve into the alarming case of Mahmoud Khalil. Khalil's unlawful detention following political protests raises critical questions about free speech and civil liberties in America. They highlight the chilling implications for activists, especially in a politically charged climate, and discuss the alarming trend of governmental overreach targeting voices advocating for Palestinian rights. The conversation underscores the urgent need for defending due process.

Talia Lavin, journalist and author of "Wild Faith: How the Christian Right Is Taking Over America," teams up with Jessica Washington, a reporter at The Intercept, to dissect Trump's bold claims of divine guidance in politics. They dive into the Christian right's resurgence, revealing strategies against LGBTQ rights and their complex ties to Trump's agenda. Lavin highlights the coalition's goal of a socially restrictive America, while Washington calls for unity against oppressive policies targeting marginalized communities.

Anat Shenker-Osorio, a social science researcher specializing in political messaging, joins Sunjeev Bery, a foreign policy analyst and Intercept contributor, to dissect the current political landscape. They delve into how House Republicans are framing budget cuts as ‘government efficiency’ while undermining essential safety nets like Medicaid. The duo emphasizes the importance of countering misleading narratives and explore grassroots movements as vital strategies for mobilizing economic resistance. Repetition in messaging and collective action emerge as key tools for challenging these powerful dynamics.

In a whirlwind of change, Trump's swift signing of 36 executive orders sparks discussion about the chaos enveloping American politics. Reporters reflect on the surprisingly unprepared response from Democrats. They highlight the unsettling human stories behind the political upheaval, like the firing and rehiring of critical nuclear staff. The conversation delves into the inhumane policies rooted in Christian nationalism and systemic racism, while also addressing the resilience of advocates fighting for justice amid a backdrop of turmoil.