By Kolby LaMarche

Two immigration cases involving university students are sparking outrage and mobilizing Vermonters, particularly in Burlington, as activists and lawmakers rally against what they call unjust detentions by ICE.

Mohsen Mahdawi and Protest Plans:

Mohsen Mahdawi, a green card holder from the West Bank, was arrested by ICE on April 14 during what should have been a citizenship interview in Colchester. His lawyer claims the detention, linked to Mahdawi’s role in Columbia’s pro-Palestinian protests, is illegal. 

Held at Northwest State Correctional Facility in Swanton, Mahdawi faces a critical court appearance on April 23 at 8 AM at Vermont District Court (11 Elmwood Ave). Supporters are organizing a “Release Mohsen Now!” protest at the courthouse, following a press conference on April 22 at 11:30 AM at the State House, where state lawmakers and others will demand his immediate release.

Rumeysa Ozturk Update:

Rumeysa Ozturk, detained by ICE on March 25 in Massachusetts after co-authoring an op-ed critical of Israel, has won a small legal victory. U.S. District Judge William Sessions ordered ICE to transfer Ozturk from a Louisiana jail to Vermont by May 1, condemning the agency for “questionable” tactics. A bail hearing is scheduled for May 9 at Burlington District Court, where Ozturk must appear in person.

Her case, backed by the ACLU, drew hundreds to protests, including a fiery April 14 rally outside the courthouse. Locals view her detention as a chilling attack on free expression, especially amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian students.

Burlington Daily News will keep readers updated on these cases, protests, and community reactions.