On Monday, March 10th, President Donald Trump said that the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and recent Columbia University graduate, is the first of many as his administration intensifies its crackdown on foreign nationals involved in campus protests.
“Following my previously signed Executive Orders, ICE proudly apprehended and detained Mahmoud Khalil, a Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student on the campus of Columbia University,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This is the first arrest of many to come. We know there are more students at Columbia and other Universities across the Country who have engaged in pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity, and the Trump Administration will not tolerate it.”
Trump also warned that universities could face consequences if they do not act. His administration recently revoked $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University, citing its handling of antisemitism on campus. He suggested that other colleges and universities may also lose funding if they fail to comply.
“We will find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist sympathizers from our country—never to return again,” Trump added. “We expect every one of America’s Colleges and Universities to comply.”
The White House has not provided details on further arrests, but Trump’s statement signals a broader effort to detain and deport individuals linked to campus protests. Critics argue that the administration’s actions target free speech, while supporters say they are necessary to combat extremism.
This is a developing story.
