ST. ALBANS, Vt. (AP) — Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian man who initiated protests against the war in Gaza as a student at Columbia University, is currently being held in a Vermont prison following his arrest during an interview aimed at finalizing his U.S. citizenship. His detention occurred on April 14 in Colchester, Vermont, and he has expressed that he feels "in good hands" at the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans, where he is being held.

During a recent meeting with U.S. Senator Peter Welch of Vermont, Democratic, Mahdawi shared his optimistic outlook regarding his situation. In a video posted by Welch on social media platform X, he stated, "I’m staying positive by reassuring myself in the ability of justice and the deep belief of democracy." He emphasized his desire to become a citizen of the United States due to his belief in the country's foundational principles.

Despite Mahdawi's optimistic remarks, his legal team is advocating for his release as they prepare for a status conference scheduled for Wednesday. The U.S. Justice Department has not clarified the specific reasons behind his detention. However, according to a report by The New York Times, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed concerns that Mahdawi's activism could "potentially undermine" the Middle East peace process. A request for comment on Rubio's memo was sent to the State Department, but no response has been provided.

In a related note, Rubio has cited a rarely used statute to support the deportation of another Columbia University graduate student, Mahmoud Khalil, claiming that he poses "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States." An immigration judge ruled on April 11 that Khalil could be deported as a national security risk, with plans for his legal team to appeal this decision.

Mahdawi, who is originally from a refugee camp in the West Bank and moved to the U.S. in 2014, has been vocal about his work focused on peacemaking. He remarked, "My empathy...extends beyond the Palestinian people, and my empathy extends to the Jews and to the Israelis." He expressed a desire to see an end to violence and a peaceful resolution between Palestinians and Israelis, questioning how such hopes could be considered a threat to anyone other than the "war machine." Senator Welch echoed this sentiment by stating, "It would be good for everybody for us to have peace."

Mahdawi articulated feeling supported throughout this difficult time, saying, "I want to tell everyone that I feel so loved and so supported. And I am here in good hands. I am centered, I am clear, I am grounded. And I don’t want you to worry about me." His anticipated graduation from Columbia University is set for May, after which he plans to begin a master's degree program.

As an active student, Mahdawi organized protests on campus against Israel's military actions in Gaza, voicing criticism of the conflict and advocating for peace until March 2024.