Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

2nd Circuit Reverses Release, Orders Student’s Removal to Jordan

7/22/2026

37 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a judge’s order releasing Mohsen Mahdawi, a 35-year-old Columbia student arrested in April 2025.
Judges Debra Ann Livingston, William Nardini and Steven Menashi issued the decision, requiring Mahdawi to exhaust immigration-court remedies and face removal to Jordan.
The Department alleges Mahdawi made a 2015 gun-shop comment and possessed LSD, meth and mushrooms in a 2019 border stop, which he denies.

1 of 1

Story summary

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a judge’s order releasing Mohsen Mahdawi, a 35-year-old Columbia student arrested in April 2025.
Judges Debra Ann Livingston, William Nardini and Steven Menashi issued the decision, requiring Mahdawi to exhaust immigration-court remedies and face removal to Jordan.
The Department alleges Mahdawi made a 2015 gun-shop comment and possessed LSD, meth and mushrooms in a 2019 border stop, which he denies.