Columbia University student released from ICE custody
BURLINGTON, Vt. (CBS, KYMA/KECY) - A Columbia University student who was taken into custody by ICE agents a little over two weeks ago is celebrating his freedom for now.
Mohsen Mahdawi spoke outside a Vermont courthouse Wednesday morning after a federal judge in the state ordered him to be released from custody pending the resolution of the case.
The 34-year-old was one of the students leading pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University.
CBS News was there when ICE agents arrested the U.S. permanent resident on April 14 at what was supposed to be a citizenship interview.
Mahdawi's attorneys claim that the interview was "a trap," but the Trump Administration is still arguing for his deportation, claiming his presence and activities in the U.S. threaten American foreign policy.
A day before his arrest, Mahdawi told CBS Nnews he thought there was a chance the long-awaited naturalization interview could be a trap.
He'll sit down with correspondent, Lilia Luciano, for an exclusive interview airing Wednesday evening on CBS Evening News.
