Columbia University Protests: Homeland Security Arrests, Visa Revocations Amid Crackdown

Escalating Crackdown on Columbia Protesters

• 🚨 Homeland Security has arrested a second student off-campus in connection with protests at Columbia University.
• 🛂 A doctoral student's visa was revoked for allegedly advocating for violence and terrorism.
• 🏠 Federal ICE agents also searched the university residences of two other students, though no arrests were made at that time.

Arrest of Mahmud Khalil and Wife's Account

• ⚖️ The crackdown began with the arrest of Pro-Palestinian activist Mahmud Khalil, a graduate student and legal green card holder.
• 📹 New video shows Khalil being taken into custody by ICE agents, filmed by his wife.
• 💔 Khalil's wife stated that even though he was a lawful permanent resident, ICE agents indicated his visa status was also being revoked.

Further Sanctions and Protests

• 🚫 A second student, Leika Cordia, has been arrested and accused, along with Khalil, of supporting Hamas's terrorist activities during the Hamilton Hall takeover.
• 🎓 Columbia University announced that 22 students have been sanctioned, facing actions ranging from multi-year suspensions to expulsions.
• 🗣️ Critics argue that the disciplinary actions taken by the university are "far too late."
• ✈️ A third student, Johnny Shavasan, had his visa revoked a week prior and was seen catching a flight back to India.

Ongoing Demonstrations and Demands

• ✊ Protesters remain active outside Columbia's gates, vowing not to back down despite the escalating arrests and crackdowns.
• 📢 More protests are planned throughout the weekend in New York City.
• 📣 Demonstrators are demanding the release of Mahmud Khalil and protesting the war in Gaza.