Second Columbia University Student Visa Holder Arrested for Participation in Anti-Israel Protest

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested a second Columbia University student involved in anti-Israel protests, while a third student chose to self-deport after visa revocation.

Key Facts:

Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia graduate, is in ICE custody for participating in campus protests.
Leqaa Kordia, from the West Bank, was detained due to an expired visa, canceled in 2022 for lack of attendance.
Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian national, used the CBP Home app to self-deport after her student visa was revoked.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that advocating violence and terrorism warrants visa revocation.
President Donald Trump praised Khalil’s arrest and indicated more actions to come.

The Rest of The Story:

ICE’s recent enforcement actions at Columbia University highlight the consequences for foreign students involved in activities deemed supportive of terrorism.

Mahmoud Khalil’s detention follows his participation in anti-Israel protests on campus.

Well said. pic.twitter.com/208jVfx1ix

— I Love America News (@ILA_NewsX) March 14, 2025

Leqaa Kordia was arrested due to her expired visa, which had been canceled previously for lack of attendance.

Additionally, Ranjani Srinivasan chose to self-deport after her visa was revoked.

It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live & 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.

I’m glad to see one of the Columbia University terrorist sympathizers… pic.twitter.com/jR2uVVKGCM

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) March 14, 2025

These developments are steps in the administration’s stance on maintaining strict visa regulation.

Commentary:

Holding a visa to study in the United States is a privilege that comes with responsibilities.

When foreign students engage in activities that support terrorism or involve criminal behavior, it is imperative to enforce immigration laws and revoke their visas.

This approach ensures the safety and security of all citizens and upholds the integrity of the nation’s immigration system.

Allowing individuals who advocate violence or participate in illegal activities to remain in the country undermines the rule of law.

The government has a duty to protect its citizens and maintain order, which includes deporting those who violate their visa terms by engaging in such actions.

Columbia University’s recent protests, which escalated into support for terrorist organizations and acts of vandalism, highlight the need for institutions to monitor and address extremist activities on their campuses.

Universities should foster environments of respectful dialogue and lawful expression, not tolerate actions that threaten public safety or support violence.

The American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) concerns about free speech must be balanced against the necessity of enforcing laws that protect the nation from those who seek to cause harm.

While free speech is a fundamental right, it does not extend to actions of visa holders that support terrorism or involve criminal conduct.

Enforcing visa regulations and deporting individuals who engage in unlawful activities is essential to maintaining national security and upholding the rule of law.

It sends a clear message that the United States will not tolerate actions that threaten its citizens or support violent ideologies.

The Bottom Line:

ICE’s actions against Columbia University students involved in anti-Israel protests demonstrate a firm commitment to enforcing immigration laws.

By revoking visas and deporting those who engage in activities supporting terrorism or criminal behavior, the administration reinforces the principle that visa privileges are contingent upon adherence to U.S. laws and values.