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NEW YORK — A Palestinian student protester at Columbia University has been arrested, and another international student has left the country following the revocation of their visa, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Friday, marking a significant escalation in the federal government’s crackdown on anti-Israel activism on college campuses.
The arrests and deportations have triggered heated debate over free speech, student activism, and the federal government’s response to campus protests amid heightened tensions surrounding Israel and Palestine.
The measures have been backed by the Trump administration, which has vowed to take strict action against what it calls “pro-Hamas activism” at U.S. universities.
Visa Revocations and Arrests
Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian student from the West Bank, was detained by immigration officers in Newark, New Jersey, for allegedly overstaying her student visa, which had expired in January 2022 due to a “lack of attendance,” according to the DHS statement.
Kordia’s arrest followed her participation in anti-Israel protests at Columbia University in April 2024, when activists occupied a campus building and established an unauthorized encampment.
Another student, Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian national and doctoral student in urban planning at Columbia, had her visa revoked on March 5 for alleged “support of Hamas and terrorist activities.”
Srinivasan opted to leave the U.S. voluntarily, using a U.S. Customs and Border Protection app to “self-deport” on Tuesday, the DHS said.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem defended the administration’s actions, stating, “It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live and study in the United States of America. When you advocate for violence and terrorism, that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country.”
Protests and Public Backlash
The arrests and deportations have sparked widespread demonstrations, particularly the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born Palestinian and recent Columbia graduate who played a leading role in last year’s protest encampment.
Khalil, a green card holder, was taken into custody by federal agents outside his home in New York last Saturday. His detention has fueled daily protests in New York, with hundreds gathering outside Columbia’s main gate on Broadway Avenue on Friday.
Protesters chanted slogans such as “Intifada people’s war” and “Resistance is glorious,” while holding signs demanding Khalil’s release.
The demonstration was organized by Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a coalition of student groups advocating for divestment from companies associated with Israel.
University officials have attempted to manage the growing tensions, with interim President Katrina Armstrong expressing concern in an email to students and faculty.
“I am heartbroken by the events unfolding on our campus,” she wrote, acknowledging the difficult balance between free expression and university policies.
Federal Crackdown on Campus Activism
The Trump administration has made it clear that it intends to take further action against what it considers extremist activism on college campuses.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at a meeting in Canada on Friday, confirmed that more student visa revocations are likely in the coming weeks.
Additionally, the U.S. Justice Department announced that it is investigating potential violations of terrorism laws in connection with the protests at Columbia.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the move was part of President Trump’s broader initiative to combat antisemitism, saying, “This pushback is long overdue.”
Columbia Under Pressure
The federal government has also placed significant financial and administrative pressure on Columbia University.
Last week, the Trump administration cut $400 million in federal funding to the university over concerns about campus antisemitism and has threatened to withhold billions more unless Columbia enacts specific reforms.
On Thursday, federal officials issued a letter to Columbia leadership outlining conditions for the restoration of funding. These include:
- Disciplinary actions against student protesters involved in last year’s encampment
- A ban on wearing masks during protests
- Adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism
- A restructuring of the university’s Middle East studies department under external oversight
In response to federal pressure, Columbia announced that it had expelled, suspended, or revoked the degrees of students involved in last year’s building occupation.
While the university did not specify the exact number of students affected, the Columbia University Apartheid Divest group claims that 22 students have been sanctioned.
Khalil’s Legal Battle
Meanwhile, Khalil’s case has drawn widespread attention. His supporters argue that he is being unfairly targeted for his activism, raising concerns about free speech violations.
Khalil, who entered the U.S. on a student visa in 2022 and later obtained permanent residency, is married to a U.S. citizen who is pregnant with their first child.
His legal team is seeking his release from detention in Louisiana, where he is currently being held. In a court filing, Khalil’s lawyers stated that he was given little information during his arrest and felt as though he was being “kidnapped.”
Khalil has not been charged with a crime, but the White House has accused him of distributing pro-Hamas propaganda and violating federal immigration laws that prohibit non-citizens from endorsing terror groups.
Government officials cited his attendance at a protest at Barnard College where Hamas materials were allegedly distributed.
Looking Ahead
The situation at Columbia has become a flashpoint in the broader national debate over free speech, student activism, and the government’s role in policing campus protests.
While the Trump administration insists that it is acting to protect national security and combat antisemitism, critics warn that the measures set a dangerous precedent for academic freedom and political expression.
With protests continuing and legal challenges underway, the developments at Columbia are likely to have far-reaching implications for university campuses across the country, as students and administrators alike navigate the shifting landscape of political activism in the U.S.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members