ICE arrests another Columbia University student who participated in anti-Israel protests
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers recently made headlines by arresting a second Columbia University student who was involved in anti-Israel protests. This incident came after a third student decided to deport themselves from the United States. The student in question, Leqaa Kordia, hails from the West Bank and had their visa canceled in 2022 due to “lack of attendance.” Subsequently, ICE detained Kordia for possessing an outdated visa. Notably, Kordia had been previously arrested in April for their alleged participation in the protests.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the privilege associated with being granted a visa to live and study in the United States. Noem highlighted the importance of respecting the terms and conditions of such visas and abiding by the laws of the country.
The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, another Columbia University student who recently graduated, for his involvement in the protests sparked controversy among students and faculty members. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) condemned the government’s actions, stating that political speech is protected by the First Amendment and should not be used as a basis for punishment or deportation.
The Trump administration’s decision to revoke $400 million in federal funding for Columbia University garnered national attention. This move was in response to the university’s support of Gaza through an encampment on its campus. President Donald Trump further warned that Khalil’s arrest was just the beginning of more to come.
In a separate incident, Indian citizen Ranjani Srinivasan utilized the “CBP Home” app to voluntarily return to their home country after their student visa was revoked by the federal government. This action exemplifies the consequences of not complying with visa regulations and the potential repercussions for individuals who fail to adhere to them.
Overall, these events underscore the complexities surrounding immigration, visa regulations, and the intersection of political activism on college campuses. It is crucial for individuals to understand and abide by the laws governing their visa status to avoid facing legal consequences.
