Judges reject Trump admin’s deportation cases against 2 pro-Palestinian college students

Attorneys have recently announced that an immigration court has terminated deportation proceedings against a pro-Palestinian student for the second time in a little over a week. This decision came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that the student posed a threat to foreign policy.

Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student, was detained during his naturalization interview in April. The judge found that the Department of Homeland Security failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that he is removable, leading to the termination of his removal proceedings. Similarly, Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University Ph.D. student, had her removal proceedings terminated after being labeled a foreign policy risk by Rubio.

In Mahdawi’s case, immigration judge Nina Froes based her decision on the lack of authentication of a memo allegedly signed by Rubio. Mahdawi’s attorneys argued that he was targeted for his constitutionally protected speech, similar to other pro-Palestinian demonstrators and students.

Both cases can be appealed by the Trump administration, and their habeas petitions will likely continue in federal court. Mahdawi expressed gratitude to the court for upholding the rule of law and protecting his right to speak for peace and justice. He emphasized the importance of due process in a climate where dissent is met with intimidation and detention.

The Department of Homeland Security responded to the cases by stating that advocating for violence and supporting terrorists should result in the revocation of privileges to live in the United States. Mahdawi was detained based on allegations from a 2015 FBI investigation, which he and his lawyers have firmly refuted. He has been advocating for peace and protesting against the war in Gaza, denying accusations of threatening Israelis or those of the Jewish faith.

Öztürk was detained in March for her Pro-Palestinian views, including co-authoring an Op-Ed calling for acknowledgment of the Palestinian genocide. Her release was ordered by a federal judge in May, bringing relief to her and others wronged by the U.S. government. Öztürk expressed hope that justice can prevail despite the flaws in the justice system.