ICE Arrests Palestinian Student, Announces Self-Deportation of Indian National

Protesters rally

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a Palestinian national on Friday for visa violations following her participation in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. The agency also announced the self-deportation of an Indian student whose visa had been revoked in 2022.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian from the West Bank, was arrested for overstaying her F-1 student visa, which had been terminated in 2022 due to lack of attendance. She was previously arrested in April 2024 for her involvement in protests at Columbia University.

DHS also reported that Ranjani Srinivasaj, an Indian doctoral student at Columbia University, voluntarily left the United States after her student visa was revoked for allegedly advocating violence and terrorism. She used the CPB Home App to facilitate her departure.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that individuals who advocate for violence and terrorism should not retain the privilege of studying in the United States.

Protesters rally in support of detained Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil outside Columbia University in New York on Friday, March 14, 2025.

These actions follow previous ICE enforcement efforts at Columbia University, including the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a protest leader, inside a university-owned residence. His arrest led to controversy due to confusion over his immigration status, raising concerns over constitutional rights. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) condemned the arrest, emphasizing that the First Amendment protects free speech for all individuals in the U.S.

Criticism of the government's actions has come from various quarters, including Wesleyan University President Michael Roth, who stated that political views should not be grounds for visa restrictions unless they involve harassment or intimidation.

Legal precedents, including the 1953 Supreme Court case Kwong Hai Chew v. Colding, affirm that immigrants residing in the U.S. are entitled to constitutional protections. Subsequent rulings have extended due process rights to all non-citizens, including those who entered unlawfully.