# US appeals court overturns decision that freed Columbia activist Mahdawi

A US appeals court has reversed a lower court ruling that had ordered the release of activist Mahmoud Mahdawi, a Columbia University student involved in pro-Palestinian protests. The decision could lead to his re-detention and highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding campus activism and immigration status.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### World
- [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/7/21/us-appeals-court-overturns-ruling-that-freed-columbia-activist-mahdawi?traffic_source=rss) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:16:40 +0000
- [The Guardian World](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/21/appeals-court-reversed-mohsen-mahdawi-release) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 01:27:39 GMT