The recent detention of Palestinian students in the U.S., particularly at Columbia University, has raised significant concerns among civil rights groups and students alike. Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian activist and green card holder, was arrested by ICE during his citizenship interview, raising fears that such actions may be part of a broader strategy to suppress pro-Palestinian activism. His detention, coupled with the arrest of other Columbia students involved in activism, has drawn condemnation from Jewish and Israeli peers, emphasizing a divide in perspectives on the implications of their activism. As lawmakers, including Vermont Senate leaders, call for a review of state agreements with federal immigration officials, the Trump administration has cited these detentions as necessary to protect national interests amid ongoing tensions regarding Middle East peace. Advocates for Mahdawi have expressed outrage, arguing that the actions taken by immigration authorities are not only unjust but also threaten the safety and rights of students across the nation.