• Demonstrators chained themselves at Columbia University’s gates calling for the release of two Palestinian student activists.
• Mohsen Mahdawi and Mahmoud Khalil were detained by ICE amid growing pressure over pro-Palestinian activism.
• Protests reflect broader concerns over immigration enforcement targeting students involved in political movements.

A group of about 10 demonstrators chained themselves to the gates of Columbia University on April 21, 2025, to demand the release of two Palestinian student activists detained by U.S. immigration authorities. The protest, held at the intersection of 116th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, comes in response to the recent arrest of Mohsen Mahdawi during his citizenship interview in Vermont, and Mahmoud Khalil, who was taken into ICE custody last month after a visa revocation. Protesters chanted, “We want justice, you say how? Free Mohsen Mahdawi now!” while holding signs with messages calling for the liberation of political prisoners. According to the New York Times and AA, the demonstration followed broader concerns regarding the treatment of international students engaged in activism.

The protests highlight a controversial crackdown on students involved in pro-Palestinian movements, part of a larger pattern equating dissent with national security concerns. "Mahdawi is the ninth student facing deportation due to intimidation stemming from the government's actions," states the AA. Furthermore, human rights lawyer Maria Kari criticized the actions of ICE as a violation of constitutional rights, emphasizing, “ICE is operating outside the law, and getting away with it,” as reported by TRT Global.

U.S. Senator Peter Welch has publicly called for Mahdawi’s release, asserting that his detention contradicts American democratic principles. Following a meeting with Mahdawi, he stated, "He should be released so he can become a citizen," sharing the student’s sentiments about the importance of free speech. Mahdawi expressed a deep connection to the values of justice and democracy, citing his work towards peace in the region. This sentiment reflects the feeling among many demonstrators, who argue that the detentions are politically motivated, as detailed in reports by AA and New York Times.

The environment surrounding these arrests is described as increasingly hostile, especially towards students of color or those advocating for Palestinian rights. As outlined by Kari, the lack of clear guidelines for ICE’s operations allows for what some view as political repression disguised as immigration enforcement, adding a layer of complexity to ongoing debates about free speech and civil rights on campuses. According to Kari, “ICE must still conform to constitutional protections; it cannot act in a way that is arbitrary, discriminatory or retaliatory,” further emphasizing the urgent need for oversight within immigration protocols as discussed in the TRT Global coverage.