U.S. Arrests Columbia University Pro-Palestinian Protester

Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian from the West Bank and a participant in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, has been arrested by U.S. immigration officials for overstaying her student visa, which was initially terminated in January 2022 due to lack of attendance. Her arrest follows that of Mahmoud Khalil, another prominent protester facing deportation, highlighting a broader crackdown on visa violations linked to activism. The Department of Homeland Security announced these actions as part of a policy that targets individuals perceived to pose foreign policy risks, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicating more visa revocations are expected. The case of Ranjani Srinivasan, whose visa was revoked for allegedly advocating violence, further underscores the administration's stringent approach to handling foreign nationals involved in protests. These developments have raised concerns about the treatment of activists and the implications for civil liberties. The situation remains fluid, with updates anticipated as more information becomes available.