Higher Court Says Vermont Judge Acted Too Soon in Mahdawi Case

A higher court stopped a Vermont judge's order to free Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi, saying the judge stepped in before immigration officials finished their review. The court did not weigh Mahdawi's argument that his pro-Palestinian activism led to his detention. The ruling narrows what local judges can do in ongoing immigration cases. Mahmoud Khalil faced a similar decision earlier in 2026.