DHS arrests student for participation in pro-Palestinian protests

In the United States, particularly at Columbia University, a series of high-profile arrests connected to pro-Palestinian protests have raised significant concerns regarding free speech and immigration rights. On March 11, 2025, Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian student, was arrested by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for overstaying her F-1 visa and her alleged involvement in protests that supported Hamas. This incident followed the self-deportation of another student, Ranjani Srinivasan, who claimed she was also targeted for her pro-Palestinian activities. The DHS declared a commitment to revoke more visas for students involved in such protests, asserting that advocating for terrorism justified these actions. The arrests, particularly that of Mahmoud Khalil—a Palestinian refugee whose green card was revoked—have created a chilling effect on students' willingness to express their views openly. Many students across various campuses now feel uncertain and anxious about their safety and freedom as they consider exercising their right to free speech. Khalil's case was further complicated since he is married to an American and has a baby on the way. His detainment, coupled with the Trump administration's aggressive stance on immigration and terrorism, highlighted the increasing scrutiny faced by international students. Protests erupted at Columbia University following Raulner's detention, with student leaders and organizations vehemently criticizing the Trump administration's actions as an attack on civil liberties. Student organizations emphasized their need to raise awareness against such repressive measures. Columbia's Interim President, Katrina Armstrong, publicly condemned the actions taken by DHS and emphasized that the university complied with legal parameters regarding police intervention on campus. In response to these events, student advocates across the country have rallied to defend the rights of their peers and condemn the ramifications of these arrests. Universities have been urged to protect students from potential repercussions associated with law enforcement's increasing presence on campuses and the harsh policies of current immigration laws, particularly those targeting students from minority backgrounds. The protests emphasize the fine line between expressing political views and facing legal penalties, as students seek to foster an environment that supports free expression without the constant fear of surveillance and deportation.