Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student and activist, was detained by US immigration police during an appointment to obtain US citizenship. Mahdawi, who had been a key organizer of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, had sought middle ground in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, engaging in dialogue with supporters of Israel. His activism was seen as undermining the Middle East peace process by reinforcing antisemitic sentiment, according to a memo by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Mahdawi, who grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp, has advocated for empathy and understanding as the key to resolving the conflict.