A federal judge in Vermont has granted bail and released from ICE jail Palestinian Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi while he challenges the Trump administration’s efforts to deport him for joining protests against Israel’s assault on Gaza. U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford ruled the Trump administration failed to show why Mahdawi should remain in confinement, condemning “chilling action by the government intended to shut down debate.” Mohsen Mahdawi emerged from the courthouse to a jubilant crowd of supporters, both arms in the air, holding up the V for victory sign with his hands — also the gesture for peace.

Mohsen Mahdawi: “And I am saying it clear and loud to President Trump and his Cabinet: I am not afraid of you.”

Mahdawi also asked the crowd to join him in singing “We Shall Overcome.” Mahdawi was jailed by ICE in April after appearing for what he was told would be a naturalization test. He was a lead organizer in Columbia’s Gaza solidarity protests. We’ll get the latest on his case after headlines with a member of Mohsen Mahdawi’s legal defense team.