A US immigration judge, Nina Frey, has blocked the Trump administration's efforts to deport Mohsen Al-Mahdawi, a Palestinian student at Columbia University, after his arrest linked to pro-Palestinian protests. The ruling, made on February 13, declared that the Department of Homeland Security did not provide adequate evidence to justify the deportation. Specifically, the judge highlighted that the government's case relied on an unverified document signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which lacked proper authentication required for legal proceedings.

In her decision, Judge Frey pointed out procedural errors made by the government lawyers, which played a significant role in her ruling. Al-Mahdawi, who has lived in the United States as a permanent resident for over a decade, was detained in April 2025 while attending a citizenship interview. His situation raised concerns regarding the implications for free speech, especially given his background of being a refugee from the occupied West Bank and his activism on behalf of Palestinian rights.

Following the ruling, Al-Mahdawi expressed gratitude for the decision, stating that it is a vital step in protecting the right to free expression, especially for those advocating for peace and justice. This case not only highlights the complexities surrounding immigration policy under the Trump administration but also reflects the broader discourse on freedom of speech and activism in the US, particularly in sensitive geopolitical contexts.