Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that individuals showing support for Hamas are not welcome in the United States while announcing a review of the visa status for those involved in the occupation of Columbia University’s Butler Library.
On Wednesday, around 80 protesters raided the library in New York City, some of whom were concealed by kaffiyehs. Their actions disrupted students preparing for exams and led them to declare the library a “liberated zone” in support of Palestinian activities.
In light of the incident, Rubio shared on X that the visa status of those who trespassed and vandalized the library is being reviewed. He emphasized that “Pro-Hamas thugs are no longer welcome in our great nation.”
His proposal aligns with broader efforts from the Trump administration aimed at addressing violent and radical political movements.
Under President Trump’s January Presidential Order titled “Additional Measures to Fight Anti-Semitism,” the administration has begun reviewing the visa status of students who have participated in similar demonstrations.
Claire Shipman, President of Columbia University, condemned the protesters for their “outrageous” actions, highlighting injuries to two security officers and noting that some individuals involved were not affiliated with the university. The NYPD intervened to restore order on campus.
Meanwhile, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) urged educational institutions to take immediate action.
She remarked that while Columbia students were trying to study for finals, they faced harassment accompanied by chants of “Global Intifadas.” In her message, she mentioned that President Trump should reconsider attending universities that permit chaos, anti-Semitism, or civil rights violations.
Stefanik added, “Columbia must act—enough is enough.”
This issue has intensified amid rising concerns over the radicalization of student-led protests that have increasingly turned violent, disrupted academic life, and mirrored rhetoric associated with foreign extremist movements. These events point to a troubling alignment between far-left anti-capitalist actions and anti-Israel extremist networks.
Notably, prominent student activists involved in anti-Israel protests last month praised approved acts of violence, framing their goal of “liberating Palestine” as part of dismantling the United States and capitalism during a webinar honoring a convicted police killer.
