Federal agents search Columbia University student residences

Federal agents searched two student residences at Columbia University following the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a protest leader. This search occurred after the Trump administration demanded changes to the university's policies related to student discipline and admissions. The administration's letter outlined conditions for restoring $400 million in federal funding, including defining antisemitism and banning masks that conceal identity. Columbia's interim president confirmed that no arrests were made during the searches. Khalil's deportation was temporarily blocked by a federal judge. His lawyers argue that the government's policy targeting noncitizen protesters violates the First Amendment. The administration claims Khalil's activities could harm U.S. foreign policy.