President Donald Trump announced today that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has apprehended and detained Mahmoud Khalil, a foreign student at Columbia University, labeling him a “Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student.”
The announcement was made through a post on Trump’s Truth Social account, where he emphasized that the arrest marks “the first of many to come” under his previously signed executive orders. The post strongly condemned alleged pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, and anti-American activities occurring on U.S. university campuses.
“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 stated.
Trump further asserted that many individuals involved are not students but “paid agitators.” He pledged to continue efforts to “find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist sympathizers from our country — never to return again.”
In the message, Trump outlined his stance on national security, emphasizing that anyone supporting terrorism, including “the slaughtering of innocent men, women, and children,” would be deemed unwelcome in the United States. He also called upon colleges and universities to comply with the administration’s directives.
“We expect every one of America’s colleges and universities to comply,” Trump added.
Broader Context and Reactions
This announcement follows ongoing national debates over free speech, campus protests, and concerns about foreign influence on American institutions. Trump’s strong language reflects a hardline approach toward addressing what he describes as threats to U.S. security and values.
Columbia University has yet to issue an official response regarding Khalil’s arrest. Advocacy groups and legal experts are also closely watching the developments, particularly regarding the rights of foreign students and the criteria for labeling activities as pro-terrorist.
ICE has not provided additional details about Khalil’s arrest or the evidence leading to his detention.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
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