Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Trump administration is evaluating visa statuses for individuals arrested during protests at Columbia University on Wednesday night.
“We are assessing the visa status of those who intruded and caused destruction in the library at Columbia University. Prohama thugs will not be tolerated in our nation,” Rubio stated on X.
About 80 individuals were taken into custody, and two university staff members sustained injuries after pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed with authorities at the Columbia Library.
Protesters were observed inside and outside the library, where they displayed framed images of a pro-Palestinian flag alongside several pieces of art labeled “Colombia Burns Out.”
Warnings to vacate the premises were issued to the protesters, despite the interim president of Columbia requesting police intervention.
“The requirement for the NYPD’s presence was not the outcome we sought, but ensuring the safety of our community was absolutely essential,” remarked Claire Shipman, the university’s director.
“Such disruptions to our academic environment are unacceptable and breach our established rules and policies, especially as students approach final exams. Columbia strongly condemns anti-Semitism, violence, and all forms of hatred and discrimination on our campus.”
The federal anti-Semitism task force lauded Columbia’s quick response and expressed faith that those involved will face appropriate consequences.
Last spring, federal authorities revoked the visas of numerous international students across the country, arresting some due to their activism related to Palestine or their involvement in camps.
