US immigration authorities have arrested a second activist involved in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University in New York City.
Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian from the West Bank, was taken into custody in New Jersey, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday.
The DHS revealed that Kordia had overstayed her student visa, which was terminated in 2022 due to “lack of attendance.” It remains unclear whether she was enrolled at Columbia or another institution at the time.
Ranjani Srinivasan Chooses Self-Deportation After Visa Revocation
Another student, Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian citizen and doctoral candidate in Urban Planning at Columbia University, opted to “self-deport” earlier this week after her visa was revoked on March 5.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that advocating for violence and terrorism voids the privilege of studying in the US. However, Srinivasan’s lawyer, Ramzi Kassem, criticized the DHS statement as “full of falsehoods,” arguing that her visa was revoked solely for engaging in protected political speech.
This follows the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born Columbia graduate and US green card holder, who was detained in New York and transferred to a Louisiana jail. Khalil’s case has ignited a debate over free speech on college campuses and the legal grounds for deporting a permanent resident.
His lawyers maintain that he was exercising his right to free speech by protesting in support of Palestinians and against US support for Israel, denying allegations that he supports Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the US.
DHS Conducts Raids on Columbia Campus
On Thursday night, DHS agents executed two search warrants on the Columbia campus, seeking evidence of the university “harboring and concealing illegal aliens.” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the investigation is ongoing and includes examining whether Columbia’s handling of prior incidents violated civil rights laws or involved terrorism-related crimes.
Columbia Interim President Katrina Armstrong confirmed the raid in a letter to the campus community, clarifying that no arrests were made, no items were removed, and no further action was taken.
Trump Administration Cuts Funding Amid Antisemitism Allegations
In the midst of this, the Trump administration also withdrew $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University, citing the institution’s failure to combat antisemitism on campus.
This comes as no surprise as President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused pro-Palestinian activists, including Khalil, of supporting Hamas and called for their deportation.
