Vermont lawmakers and Governor Phil Scott are facing a decision on whether to sever ties with federal immigration authorities following the recent detainment of Palestinian student Mohsen Mahdawi in Colchester. Mahdawi, a green card holder who has lived in Vermont for a decade, was taken into custody during a citizenship appointment. Protesters rallied outside the prison where he is being held, calling for an end to the state’s contract with federal authorities.
While some state lawmakers argue that ending the contract won’t change the Trump administration’s immigration policies, others, such as State Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, believe it’s a local issue that requires local leadership. A federal judge has ordered Mahdawi to remain in Vermont for now, as the case plays out.
Community members in the Upper Valley, where Mahdawi has made a strong impact, are rallying behind him. Friends and supporters describe him as a peacemaker dedicated to resolving conflicts through justice and empathy. Rev. Paul Sawyer of the First Universalist Society of Hartland, who has known Mahdawi for a decade, is among those calling for due process and justice.
As the case unfolds, emotions of sadness and anger are running high among those who know Mahdawi personally. Stacy Hopkins, who lives across the street from the church where Mahdawi visited frequently, describes his detainment as barbaric and anti-intellectual. Supporters are hoping for a swift resolution that will allow Mahdawi to return to his community.
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