Mahdawi has faced targeted harassment from pro-Israel groups, including Betar USA, which claimed to have shared information about him with the Trump administration.

This incident raises significant concerns regarding the treatment of lawful residents and the potential for arbitrary detention in the U.S., particularly under the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Prior to his arrest, Mahdawi had sought accommodations from Columbia University to protect himself from potential detention, indicating his awareness of the risks he faced.

His arrest has drawn condemnation from U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Sanders, who labeled it immoral and illegal, calling for Mahdawi's immediate release.

Mahdawi's situation underscores broader issues of free speech and the targeting of individuals based on their political beliefs within the context of U.S. immigration policy.

Critics have accused Mahdawi of antisemitism based on his involvement in protests that included inflammatory rhetoric, while he has distanced himself from such accusations.

Despite his personal grievances against Israeli forces, Mahdawi has advocated for dialogue over violence, reflecting his complex stance on the ongoing conflict.

State Senator Becca White, a friend of Mahdawi, expressed her shock and concern over the implications of the incident for community safety, highlighting a broader lack of security for individuals facing immigration issues.

On April 14, 2025, Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student and U.S. permanent resident, was detained by immigration authorities during his naturalization interview in Vermont, reportedly as retaliation for his protests against the Israel-Gaza war.

Attorney Luna Droubi argues that Mahdawi's detention is a retaliatory act against his advocacy for Palestinians and a violation of his constitutional rights.

Federal officials have invoked a rarely used immigration provision that allows for deportation if an individual's presence is deemed a threat to national interests, which may apply to Mahdawi's case.

As of now, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has not commented on Mahdawi's case, leaving many in the community confused and distressed about his detention.