A 29-year-old student was released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention after being apprehended during a routine U.S. citizenship interview in Vermont on April 16.
The individual, Mohsen Mahdawi, who is enrolled at Columbia University, had been in the process of adjusting his immigration status at the time of his detention.
Family and legal representatives confirmed that the detention occurred during a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interview.
ICE has not provided specific details on why the student was detained, though a representative stated that detentions during citizenship interviews are uncommon but may occur if certain criteria are not met.
Following his release, the student returned to his studies at Columbia University. His legal team is focused on resolving any outstanding immigration issues to continue the process of adjusting his status.
University officials have declined to comment on the specifics of the detention or release, citing privacy concerns.