Senate reads SR13 calling for due process for Mohsen Madawi as members raise concerns about treatment of international students

The Vermont Senate read SR13, a resolution “strongly objecting to the manner and circumstances under which U.S. immigration authorities arrested and detained Mohsen Madawi” and “strongly advocating that he be afforded due process under the law and released immediately from detention.” The resolution’s reading on the floor was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Separately, a senator speaking on a point of personal privilege criticized recent federal immigration actions affecting international students and scholars, citing several cases brought to the chamber’s attention and urging Vermont to speak up. The senator, identified in the transcript as the Senator from Absinthe, said recent actions have included “ICE using Vermont as a stopping point for the imprisonment of a Tufts University student” and the “arrest of Vermont resident and Columbia University student Mohsen Madawi.” They warned that “we cannot stand quietly and let national leaders repeat fascist history” and urged action to protect international students and professors in Vermont.

Senator from Windsor announced a press conference at 11:30 a.m. in the Cedar Creek Room “on behalf of Mosin and those concerned with the situation” and invited colleagues to stand in solidarity.

The resolution was read in full on the floor and formally referred to the committee on judiciary; the Senate scheduled a press event and several senators journalized and otherwise publicized concerns during announcements.