DHS Takes Down Pro-Hamas Radical at Columbia University for Overstaying Visa [WATCH]

Federal agents have arrested another foreign student involved in anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues its crackdown on non-citizens participating in demonstrations linked to Hamas.

On Friday, DHS announced the arrest of Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian national from the West Bank, for overstaying her F-1 student visa.

According to DHS, Kordia’s visa expired on January 26, 2022, due to a “lack of attendance.”

BREAKING: ICE arrested ANOTHER pro-Hamas rioter from Columbia University.

Leqaa Kordia, is being deported back to Palestine. Last year, she was arrested by NYPD for participating in the Columbia University riots, but was released.

She previously had her visa revoked TWICE for… pic.twitter.com/39rbrIBVcq

— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) March 14, 2025

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Additionally, DHS reported that an Indian national, Ranjani Srinivasan, opted for self-deportation after her visa was revoked by the State Department.

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Srinivasan had been “involved in activities supporting [Hamas], a terrorist organization,” according to the DHS statement.

#BREAKING: ICE has ARRESTED another pro-Hamas rioter from Columbia University for immigration violations, Secretary Kristi Noem has announced

GOOD! Send them ALL back!

The rioter, Leqaa Kordia, is being deported back to Palestine a year after being arrested by NYPD for… pic.twitter.com/0OGU6O3u3o

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 14, 2025

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the administration’s actions, stating that visas are a privilege, not a right.

“It is a privilege to be granted a visa to live and study in the United States of America,” Noem said.

“When you advocate for violence and terrorism that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country. I am glad to see one of the Columbia University terrorist sympathizers use the CBP Home app to self-deport.”

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

The arrests come as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to remove foreign nationals participating in anti-Israel and pro-Hamas protests, which intensified following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

The attack resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 Israelis, prompting a wave of demonstrations on college campuses across the U.S.

Many of these campus protests have been criticized for their aggressive rhetoric and actions, with reports of Jewish students facing harassment and intimidation.

Some demonstrations have featured activists chanting antisemitic slogans, waving Palestinian flags, and even displaying Hamas symbols while defending the terrorist group.

On Saturday, DHS arrested another foreign protester, Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate student and legal permanent U.S. resident.

His detention has led to further demonstrations on campus, with protesters claiming his First Amendment rights were being violated.

Columbia University has seen renewed protests following Khalil’s arrest.

Palestinian extremist Leqaa Kordia was arrested by immigration officials Friday for deportation. Her student visa expired over three years ago.

The DOJ is now working with DHS as part of an investigation into Columbia’s “harboring and concealing illegal aliens on its campus.” pic.twitter.com/Ra6XwBHsYP

— Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) March 15, 2025

Some activists now fear they could also face deportation.

An engineering student from the United Kingdom told NBC News, “This is exactly what I was worried about months ago. You don’t know the scope of the people they’re trying to target because thousands of students were involved in this in some capacity.”

DHS has not disclosed how many additional arrests may follow, but officials have indicated that investigations into visa violations and potential ties to extremist groups will continue.

The Trump administration’s actions have sparked debate, with critics arguing that they infringe on free speech.

However, supporters argue that foreign nationals do not have a right to remain in the country if they violate immigration laws or support designated terrorist organizations.

As the administration moves forward with enforcement actions, universities and law enforcement agencies are bracing for continued protests and potential legal challenges.

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