Protests and Arrests: The New Face of Campus Activism

In a surprising turn of events, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made another arrest related to the Columbia University protests. This time, it's Leqaa Korda, a Palestinian student from the West Bank. Korda's visa had expired back in January 2022, and she was also arrested in 2024 for her participation in the protests. Korda's arrest comes just days after Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student and green card holder, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Khalil was leading demonstrations at Columbia University. Despite having a legal green card, he was taken into custody. Khalil's arrest sparked a wave of protests, with demonstrators taking to the streets to demand his release. The protests even reached the lobby of Trump Tower in New York City, where at least 98 people were arrested. The DHS has been under scrutiny for its handling of these arrests. Critics argue that the agency is overstepping its bounds by targeting students involved in peaceful protests. The agency's actions have raised questions about the limits of free speech and the rights of international students in the United States. The situation at Columbia University has escalated significantly. Federal agents from DHS conducted searches at two student residences, but no one was arrested or detained. The searches were authorized by a federal magistrate judge, and the university's president, Katrina Armstrong, expressed her dismay over the incident. "No one was arrested or detained. No items were removed, and no further action was taken, " she said in a statement. The searches were part of a broader crackdown on individuals allegedly supporting Hamas and posing a threat to Jewish students. The DHS has been accused of misrepresenting the facts. Khalil, who is being held in Louisiana, has not been charged with a crime. His lawyers have vehemently denied allegations that he supports Hamas. Baher Azmy, one of Khalil's lawyers, called these claims "false and preposterous. " Khalil is scheduled to appear before an immigration judge on March 27. The protests at Columbia University have had serious consequences for the students involved. The university announced that students who occupied Hamilton Hall during the pro-Palestinian protests last spring have been expelled, suspended for several years, or had their degrees temporarily revoked. This move has sparked further controversy, with many questioning the university's handling of the situation. The situation at Columbia University highlights the complexities of free speech and the rights of international students. It also raises questions about the role of law enforcement in addressing protests and the potential for overreach. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the debate over these issues will only intensify.