Justice Department investigates Columbia University for protestor actions

The U.S. Justice Department is investigating Columbia University for allegedly hiding undocumented individuals amid a crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Recent searches at the university revealed that a doctoral student fled the U.S. after her visa was revoked, and another protester was arrested for overstaying her visa. The Trump administration has threatened to cut federal funding to Columbia unless it makes significant changes to its Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department. This includes placing the department under academic receivership and banning masks on campus. Columbia has faced increased scrutiny, with the government canceling $400 million in federal funding due to perceived leniency towards student protests against Israel. The administration's actions are part of a broader initiative targeting over 50 universities for alleged racial discrimination in admissions practices.