White House pushes Columbia to aid pro-Palestinian deportations

The White House is pressuring Columbia University to assist in identifying pro-Palestinian activists sought for deportation. This follows the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, who is now facing possible deportation. The administration has cut $400 million in federal funding to the university. Columbia has been accused of not cooperating with federal agents. The White House claims that Khalil's involvement in protests is linked to antisemitism and pro-Hamas activities. Khalil is currently detained in Louisiana, with a federal judge halting his deportation pending a hearing. Khalil's arrest is part of a broader crackdown on activists, with President Trump indicating more arrests may follow. Supporters argue that the government's actions are unconstitutional and that Khalil's protests were anti-war, not antisemitic.