Palestinian Columbia Protester Detained by ICE During Citizenship Appointment

[CG1 Blue]

12 hours ago, Social Media said:

Palestinian student and activist Mohsen Mahdawi, who had been living in the United States for a decade, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during what was supposed to be the final step in his journey toward American citizenship.

How on Earth was a Palestinian pro-Hamas activist allowed to stay in the US for so long, and how on Earth was he one step away from becoming a US citizen?!

Sounds like US officials put a stop to it in the nick of time. I wish the UK would do more of this. 

[Evil Penevil]

4 minutes ago, CG1 Blue said:

How on Earth was a Palestinian pro-Hamas activist allowed to stay in the US for so long, and how on Earth was he one step away from becoming a US citizen?!

 

There are 1.1 million foreign students on visas in the U.S. In addition, there are tens of thousands who have remained illegally in the U.S. after their visas have expired.   That's a hell of a lot of people for DHS and the State Dept. to keep track of their activities.  

 

Every day hundreds pf foreign students have their visas revoked for mundane stuff like flunking out of or quitting their courses as well as  shoplifting, drunk driving and other traffic offenses.  A smaller number get involved in more serious crimes like drug dealing, burglary, fraud, etc.  Pro-Hamas activism has until recently fallen between the cracks because U.S. authorities relied on campus administrations to report illegal activities by foreign students.  The admin  at many universities sympathized with the Palestinian cause and failed to do so when it came to support of Hamas.

[mogandave]

One down, half a million to go. 

[metisdead]

Off topic posts and replies about the Jan 6 Insurrection have been removed.

[Nick Carter icp]

4 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I don’t know why you felt the need to make such a declaration.

 

   Just stating why I wouldn't believe him if he claimed complete innocence .

   "Weren't me, I weren't even there "

[riclag]

3 hours ago, CG1 Blue said:

How on Earth was a Palestinian pro-Hamas activist allowed to stay in the US for so long, and how on Earth was he one step away from becoming a US citizen?!

Sounds like US officials put a stop to it in the nick of time. I wish the UK would do more of this. 

Theres much much more than media are willing to report, especially the progressive media .The corporate media are shilling for the Dems.
 

The last administration was facilitating their newcomers to indoctrinate

more useful idiots! Millions of USAID funding was being funneled from agencies to antiAmerican organizations for social justice purposes & programs.

 

None of these cultural Marxist Higher learning institutions,bureaucrats , politicians, Judges , LEFTIST organizations have been challenged until Trumps Dream Team  came on and DOGE exposing  USAID funding.
 

Sure there was push back with the GOP house committee meetings , unfortunately the DOJ at the time was 

controlled by Biden , mostly everything 

was quelled.

The Cultural Marxist view Hamas and their ilk as oppressed and Gazians & Palestinians  being oppressed by colonialism.

 

“The day after Hamas launched its assault, the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America rallied in Times Square to celebrate the Palestinian “resistance.” The Chicago chapter of Black Lives Matter, meanwhile, used the image of a paraglider to show its support for Hamas, an apparent reference to the horrific incident early in the massacre where Hamas terrorists used paragliders to murder hundreds of innocent civilians at a concert”.

 

https://amac.us/newsline/society/democrat-support-for-hamas-has-deep-roots-in-pro-marxist-sympathies/

 

https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/capito-100m-in-taxpayer-money-benefitting-anti-american-radical-activist-group-via-inflation-reduction-act

[WDSmart]

14 hours ago, Evil Penevil said:

 

Broadly speaking, foreign citizens who are permitted to study in the U.S.  are expected to obey the laws of the U.S. and the rules of the educational institution they attend.  Violation of either can be grounds for loss of their visa.  Remember, a student visa is a privilege, not a right, and revoking a visa is an administrative procedure that doesn't require a criminal trial or conviction.

 

The State Department Web site on student visas includes a page called "Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws."   It lists reasons for denying a student visa.  Those same reasons can also result in failure to renew or revocation of an existing visa.   https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/waivers.html#visa  Take a look at  "Section 212{a} of the Immigration and Nationality Act," then "Criminal and related grounds"  and "Security and related grounds."  They give numerous examples of the types of activities forbidden to foreign students in the U.S.

 

Again, for what seems like the hundredth time, it isn't a free speech issue.  Mohsen Mahdawi, Mahmoud Khalil and other student activists have gone far beyond lawful protest.  They have participated in encampments and occupation of buildings, which are illegal.

 

 

 

Thanks for your prompt and thorough reply, but none of it answered my two questions. I'll ask them again with more detail:
1. What are the specific charges against Mahdawi, and what has been presented as proof of these charges?
2. Why doesn't it look like Mahdawi will be able to contest those charges in court, and be tried and found guilty or not guilty of those charges? 

[Bkk Brian]

7 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

Thanks for your prompt and thorough reply, but none of it answered my two questions. I'll ask them again with more detail:
1. What are the specific charges against Mahdawi, and what has been presented as proof of these charges?
2. Why doesn't it look like Mahdawi will be able to contest those charges in court, and be tried and found guilty or not guilty of those charges? 

He has lawyers, has already appeared in court, it is going through due process. Just the same as his good friend Mahmoud Khalil had and got ordered out of the US

[WDSmart]

8 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

He has lawyers, has already appeared in court, it is going through due process. Just the same as his good friend Mahmoud Khalil had and got ordered out of the US

Thanks for the update. As long as he gets due process, I'm okay with him eventually being deported. I just worry that many of these alien visa-holders are not getting due process, or are being penalized for what I consider to be free speech. 

[Bkk Brian]

Just now, WDSmart said:

Thanks for the update. As long as he gets due process, I'm okay with him eventually being deported. I just worry that many of these alien visa-holders are not getting due process, or are being penalized for what I consider to be free speech. 

They are getting what they deserve via way of the immigration act on visa and where necessary legal counsel with possible court proceeding.

[Nick Carter icp]

11 hours ago, WDSmart said:

Thanks for your prompt and thorough reply, but none of it answered my two questions. I'll ask them again with more detail:
1. What are the specific charges against Mahdawi, and what has been presented as proof of these charges?
2. Why doesn't it look like Mahdawi will be able to contest those charges in court, and be tried and found guilty or not guilty of those charges? 

 

  Because hes  having having his educational visa revoked by the Government and h will have to leave the USA .

   A few months ago the pro Palestinians were running riot , causing a disruption and trying to influence  USA politics .

  Foreigner students paid for by Countries hostile to the USA trying to influence USA politics .

   They succeeded under   Biden .,

It all changed when Biden went and Trump came along .

The Palestinians actually could have encouraged people to vote for Trump 

[WDSmart]

18 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

On 4/17/2025 at 10:08 AM, WDSmart said:

1. What are the specific charges against Mahdawi, and what has been presented as proof of these charges?
2. Why doesn't it look like Mahdawi will be able to contest those charges in court, and be tried and found guilty or not guilty of those charges? 

 

  Because hes  having having his educational visa revoked by the Government and h will have to leave the USA .

   A few months ago the pro Palestinians were running riot , causing a disruption and trying to influence  USA politics .

  Foreigner students paid for by Countries hostile to the USA trying to influence USA politics .

   They succeeded under   Biden .,

It all changed when Biden went and Trump came along .

The Palestinians actually could have encouraged people to vote for Trump 

You didn't answer either of my questions above.
No one should have their visa revoked because they exercise their right to free speech, whether that be pro-Palestinian, pro-Ukrainian, or even pro-White supremacy. If they break a law (charged, tried, and convicted - and I would expect that would have to be a felony, not just a misdemeanor), then I agree, they should have their visa revoked and deported if they don't leave on their own.

I have no comments on the Biden/Trump association. I don't know anything about that.

[Nick Carter icp]

7 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

You didn't answer either of my questions above.
No one should have their visa revoked because they exercise their right to free speech, whether that be pro-Palestinian, pro-Ukrainian, or even pro-White supremacy. If they break a law (charged, tried, and convicted - and I would expect that would have to be a felony, not just a misdemeanor), then I agree, they should have their visa revoked and deported if they don't leave on their own.

I have no comments on the Biden/Trump association. I don't know anything about that.

 

   He is having his visa revoked because he isn't complying with conditions as to why his visa was granted '

  (There has been a non stop endless back and forth and free speech.

"What about his freedom of speech"

That has been answered numerous times

[WDSmart]

Just now, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   He is having his visa revoked because he isn't complying with conditions as to why his visa was granted '

  (There has been a non stop endless back and forth and free speech.

"What about his freedom of speech"

That has been answered numerous times

I won't expect you to respond to this, but what you've written above doesn't answer my question. What specifically is it he is accused of doing? Is it speaking out against Israel or against the USA's support of Israel? And if that's the case, why isn't that free speech? It certainly is when I do so (at least for now 😉), I have assumed ICE thinks he's been physically involved with the anti-Israeli demonstrations when they broke the law, and maybe even attacking Jewish students. Now, if he has done either of those, then I could understand this better - but even then I still believe he has to be charged, tried, and found guilty before deciding to deport him. 

[Nick Carter icp]

5 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

I won't expect you to respond to this, but what you've written above doesn't answer my question. What specifically is it he is accused of doing? 

 

   Not complying with his visa status .

Why do you not expect me to answer it, when I already answered it a few minutes ago ?

[Nick Carter icp]

7 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

 Is it speaking out against Israel or against the USA's support of Israel? And if that's the case, why isn't that free speech?

 

   I have replied to that question numerous times .

I would just be wasting my time saying the same thing again 

[Magictoad]

On 4/16/2025 at 3:06 PM, NickyLouie said:

Excellent work, this what we all voted for !!!!

 

He can go protest back in Gaza .....

Yes! Go and protest in Gaza or any part of palestine.

[Evil Penevil]

 

On 4/16/2025 at 11:08 PM, WDSmart said:

Thanks for your prompt and thorough reply, but none of it answered my two questions. I'll ask them again with more detail:

 

Before I answer your questions in detail,  I do have to make a few points clear.  Revoking a U.S. visa or Permanent Resident Card (green card) is an administrative procedure.  Criminal charges or a conviction in a court trial are not required for a non-US citizen to lose their legal status in the U.S.  This has been explained many times, but I'm happy to do it again. 

 

Studying, working, visiting or living in the U.S. are NOT constitutionally guaranteed rights for non-citizens; they are privileges extended by the U.S. government, basically at its whim.  The U.S. government can at any time withdraw a non-citizen's privilege of remaining on U.S. soil for any reason it chooses.  The U.S. isn't alone. This is a principle which most national governments follow regarding foreigners in their countries..

 

It's definitely true that a non-citizen with a valid U.S. visa or green card enjoys the same rights of free speech and assembly as a U.S. citizen.  However, the moves to revoke the legal status of Mahmoud Khalil, Mohsen Mahdawi and a string of other pro-Hamas activists aren't  the result of any words or actions protected by the First Amendment.  The Hamactivists have, in the eyes of the Trump Administration, violated the terms under which they were granted permission to remain in the U.S.  Their continued presence in the U.S. would be contrary to U.S. interests.

 

OK, on to your two questions: 

On 4/16/2025 at 11:08 PM, WDSmart said:

1. What are the specific charges against Mahdawi, and what has been presented as proof of these charges?

 

No criminal charges have been filed so far against Mahdawi.  Remember, criminal charges or a criminal conviction  aren't necessary to revoke a green card.  They aren't even part of the due process followed in revocation proceedings.   According to The New York Times,  Mahdawi "stands accused of undermining the U.S. foreign policy goal of halting antisemitism."  The reasoning behind this accusation, which amounts to proof in this case, is described in the Times article.  https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/15/nyregion/rubio-mahdawi-deportation-letter.html

 

On 4/16/2025 at 11:08 PM, WDSmart said:

2. Why doesn't it look like Mahdawi will be able to contest those charges in court, and be tried and found guilty or not guilty of those charges? 

 

Again, he isn't facing criminal charges, so their won't be a trial in a judicial court. Mahwadi will have the opportunity to contest the order for his removal from the U.S. in an immigration court before an immigration judge.  Keep in mind immigration courts are NOT part of the Federal judicial system, but are administrative units of the Executive Office for Immigration Review, which is part of the Department of Justice.  https://www.justice.gov/eoir

 

The decision which the immigration judge  will make isn't whether Mahwadi is guilty or innocent,  Instead, the immigration judge will rule on whether the Secretary of State has presented sufficient evidence to justify Mahwadi's removal.  In the recent case involving Mahmoud Khalil, the judge ruled the government had presented sufficient evidence and the deportation of Khalil could go ahead.

 

In the Khalil case, this is the evidence Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented: 

 https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25894225-dhs-documents-mahmoud-khalil/#document/p5.   

When Khalil was arrested in NYC, he was given a Notice to Appear which explained the decision to deport Khalil.   https://clearinghouse.net/doc/156881/

 

Finally, the government gave a very detailed account of the case against Khalil in their response to a filing in Federal court by Khalil's lawyers for his immediate release  and a stop to the deportation proceedings.   https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25866289-119122326097/

 

It's a lot of documents to wade through, but they clearly indicate the procedures in place  to guarantee Khalil, Mahwadi and the other Hamactivists fair treatment and due process.

[emptypockets]

On 4/16/2025 at 3:59 PM, WDSmart said:

Of course, as I know you know, I was referring to ICE.

What bothers me is not arresting, trying, and eventually deporting criminal aliens. It's arresting (detaining, no warrant?) and deporting them without a trial. And especially, in this case, if the "charges" are only engaging in free speech without breaking any laws or rules.

Much the same happens with any visa overstay in a lot of countries. Simple arrest. Then booted out. Why involve lawyers in this matter?

 

I note the guy was a student in the USA for a decade.

Who was the slow learner...him.....or the government?

[WDSmart]

12 hours ago, Evil Penevil said:

 

 

Before I answer your questions in detail,  I do have to make a few points clear.  Revoking a U.S. visa or Permanent Resident Card (green card) is an administrative procedure.  Criminal charges or a conviction in a court trial are not required for a non-US citizen to lose their legal status in the U.S.  This has been explained many times, but I'm happy to do it again. 

 

Studying, working, visiting or living in the U.S. are NOT constitutionally guaranteed rights for non-citizens; they are privileges extended by the U.S. government, basically at its whim.  The U.S. government can at any time withdraw a non-citizen's privilege of remaining on U.S. soil for any reason it chooses.  The U.S. isn't alone. This is a principle which most national governments follow regarding foreigners in their countries..

 

It's definitely true that a non-citizen with a valid U.S. visa or green card enjoys the same rights of free speech and assembly as a U.S. citizen.  However, the moves to revoke the legal status of Mahmoud Khalil, Mohsen Mahdawi and a string of other pro-Hamas activists aren't  the result of any words or actions protected by the First Amendment.  The Hamactivists have, in the eyes of the Trump Administration, violated the terms under which they were granted permission to remain in the U.S.  Their continued presence in the U.S. would be contrary to U.S. interests.

 

OK, on to your two questions: 

 

No criminal charges have been filed so far against Mahdawi.  Remember, criminal charges or a criminal conviction  aren't necessary to revoke a green card.  They aren't even part of the due process followed in revocation proceedings.   According to The New York Times,  Mahdawi "stands accused of undermining the U.S. foreign policy goal of halting antisemitism."  The reasoning behind this accusation, which amounts to proof in this case, is described in the Times article.  https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/15/nyregion/rubio-mahdawi-deportation-letter.html

 

 

Again, he isn't facing criminal charges, so their won't be a trial in a judicial court. Mahwadi will have the opportunity to contest the order for his removal from the U.S. in an immigration court before an immigration judge.  Keep in mind immigration courts are NOT part of the Federal judicial system, but are administrative units of the Executive Office for Immigration Review, which is part of the Department of Justice.  https://www.justice.gov/eoir

 

The decision which the immigration judge  will make isn't whether Mahwadi is guilty or innocent,  Instead, the immigration judge will rule on whether the Secretary of State has presented sufficient evidence to justify Mahwadi's removal.  In the recent case involving Mahmoud Khalil, the judge ruled the government had presented sufficient evidence and the deportation of Khalil could go ahead.

 

In the Khalil case, this is the evidence Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented: 

 https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25894225-dhs-documents-mahmoud-khalil/#document/p5.   

When Khalil was arrested in NYC, he was given a Notice to Appear which explained the decision to deport Khalil.   https://clearinghouse.net/doc/156881/

 

Finally, the government gave a very detailed account of the case against Khalil in their response to a filing in Federal court by Khalil's lawyers for his immediate release  and a stop to the deportation proceedings.   https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25866289-119122326097/

 

It's a lot of documents to wade through, but they clearly indicate the procedures in place  to guarantee Khalil, Mahwadi and the other Hamactivists fair treatment and due process.

Thanks for your very thorough and detailed reply to my previous comment. I'm glad to hear that Khalil will be given the opportunity to contest the charges. I am disappointed that a visa holder can lose their visa for being "antisemetic" (anti-Jewish) and expressing their opinions on that. I agree with our government's being opposed to being anti-anything that is based on race, religion, country of origin, native language, etc. But I do not agree that being any of those things and expressing your views on that should be a reason for visa cancellation and deportation. I do believe criminal actions (felonies, not misdemeanors) are valid bases for revoking visas and deportation. 

By the way, in response to the banner on your image logo (I Stand with Israel), I must confess that now, after what has happened since the horrendous attack on Dec 7 a year and a half ago, I Stand with Palestine.  And, I don't consider that an anti-Semitic act. 

[WDSmart]

12 hours ago, emptypockets said:

On 4/16/2025 at 3:59 PM, WDSmart said:

Of course, as I know you know, I was referring to ICE.

What bothers me is not arresting, trying, and eventually deporting criminal aliens. It's arresting (detaining, no warrant?) and deporting them without a trial. And especially, in this case, if the "charges" are only engaging in free speech without breaking any laws or rules.

Much the same happens with any visa overstay in a lot of countries. Simple arrest. Then booted out. Why involve lawyers in this matter?

 

I note the guy was a student in the USA for a decade.

Who was the slow learner...him.....or the government?

Lawyers should be involved because in the USA, the accused may engage (or be assigned) a lawyer to represent him.

I think neither could be called "slow learners." But I certainly could categorize the USA now as "rapidly ignoring" our constitution. 😞