Columbia University has been making headlines since last week. In a recent development, the US Justice Department is investigating whether the university harbored “illegal aliens” on its campus, according to a senior official on Friday. The Trump administration has intensified efforts to deport foreign nationals who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at US universities last year, as reported by the Associated Press.
Last Thursday, agents from the Department of Homeland Security executed search warrants at two Columbia University residence halls. No arrests were made, and it remains unclear whom the authorities were targeting. However, by Friday afternoon, US officials announced developments concerning two individuals linked to the demonstrations, AP reported.
One of the individuals, a Columbia doctoral student from India whose visa had been revoked by the Trump administration, left the US on a commercial flight. The second, a Palestinian woman who had been arrested during university protests last April, was detained by federal immigration authorities in Newark, New Jersey, for allegedly overstaying her visa.
“Just last night, we worked with the Department of Homeland Security to execute search warrants as part of an investigation into Columbia University for harboring and concealing illegal aliens on its campus,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, as quoted by AP.
Blanche further stated that the investigation is ongoing and will also examine whether the university’s handling of past incidents violated civil rights laws or involved terrorism-related offenses.
Following the searches, interim university president Katrina Armstrong addressed the school community, stating that Columbia was “committed to upholding the law.” She also expressed that she was “heartbroken” that federal agents had searched student residences, AP reported.
Meanwhile, the university has taken disciplinary action against students who occupied a campus building during pro-Palestinian protests last spring. According to Reuters, punishments include multi-year suspensions, temporary degree revocations, and expulsions. However, due to legal privacy restrictions, Columbia has not disclosed the names or exact number of affected students. Those disciplined have the option to appeal the decisions.
In a separate but related move, the Trump administration has announced the immediate withdrawal of $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University, citing its alleged failure to address antisemitism on campus. A joint statement from four federal agencies, as reported by the BBC, accused the university of “continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.”
As the investigation unfolds, Columbia University faces mounting legal and financial challenges. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for campus policies, student activism, and federal oversight of higher education institutions. Universities across the country are now closely watching how this case develops.
