Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that the State Department is reviewing the visa status of foreign nationals involved in the anti-Israel protest that overtook Columbia University’s Butler Library. The chaotic demonstration resulted in vandalism, arrests, and injuries, sparking federal scrutiny and renewed calls for visa revocations.
“Pro-Hamas thugs are no longer welcome in our great nation,” Rubio posted on X, confirming that visa holders involved in the unrest could face removal. The protest, organized by Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), disrupted academic activity and left two campus security officers injured after a crowd surge.
Videos show protesters shouting slogans, defacing university property with threats like “Columbia will burn,” and blocking students from entering the library. At least 80 people were arrested by New York police after the university called for intervention.
Columbia University condemned the violence and antisemitism displayed during the protest. “It is completely unacceptable that some individuals are choosing to disrupt academic activities as our students are studying and preparing for final exams,” the school said. Acting President Claire Shipman issued a strong statement condemning hate and discrimination, saying the university “strongly condemns violence on our campus, antisemitism and all forms of hate.”
The Trump administration, which had previously stripped federal funding from Columbia over its handling of pro-Hamas encampments in 2024, responded swiftly to the latest incident. A spokesperson for the State Department reiterated its commitment to protecting national security and public safety through the visa process.
Trump’s new antisemitism task force praised Columbia’s leadership for its response to the occupation. “The Task Force is encouraged by Acting President Shipman’s strong and resolute statement,” the group said in a release. “She has stepped in to lead Columbia at a critical juncture and has met the moment with fortitude and conviction.”
The administration has previously revoked more than 1,000 student visas tied to anti-Israel or pro-terrorist activity. Wednesday’s violent protest may result in further action as Rubio and the State Department move to identify and penalize foreign nationals involved.
