Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student arrested by the Trump administration during his citizenship interview, was released on bail on Wednesday in a notable victory for students fighting the government’s use of immigration enforcement as a means to silence dissent.

After Mahdawi’s 14 days in immigration detention, Vermont District Judge Geoffrey Crawford ordered the immediate release of the pro-Palestine activist, arguing in part that his continued detention would “likely have a chilling effect on protected speech.”

The judge also noted that Mahdawi, 34, is not a “flight risk” or a “danger to the community.”

Mahdawi’s legal fight is far from over. The U.S. permanent resident, who was born in the West Bank, will have to return to court to argue his habeas petition to block the government from detaining and deporting him.

But on Wednesday, Mahdawi struck a defiant tone. “I am saying it clear and loud. To President Trump and his Cabinet: I am........

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