Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Mar 11: Former US President Donald Trump has pledged to intensify his crackdown on anti-Israel protests at college campuses following the arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil at Columbia University.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that ICE agents had detained Khalil, whom he described as a “Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student,” and warned that more arrests would follow. He claimed that many demonstrators were not students but “paid agitators” engaging in “pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, and anti-American activity.”

“We will find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist sympathizers from our country—never to return again,” Trump declared, adding that universities must comply with federal directives or risk consequences.

The US Education Department has already issued warnings to over 60 institutions, including Harvard and Cornell, threatening to withdraw federal funding if such protests continue. The administration has also cut $400 million in funding to Columbia University following Khalil’s arrest.

Despite being a lawful US citizen, Khalil was detained in New York for leading protests against Israel. His lawyers have challenged the arrest, arguing that it violates his constitutional rights. A hearing on his deportation case is set for Wednesday.