DHS searches Columbia dorms, two students arrested

Federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) searched two Columbia University dorm rooms Thursday night after obtaining warrants from a federal judge. Interim President Katrina Armstrong confirmed that no arrests were made, no items were seized, and no further actions were taken. Announced on Friday, DHS later arrested Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian student, for overstaying her visa, which had been terminated in 2022, following her involvement in pro-Palestinian protests. Additionally, DHS revoked the visa of Indian doctoral student Ranjani Srinivasan for allegedly "advocating for violence and terrorism," leading her to self-deport five days later. The university complied with the legal proceedings, and Public Safety remained present during the searches.