Payam Javan: On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department is reviewing the visa status of anti-Israel protesters who disrupted Columbia University’s Butler Library. The protesters, who chanted, vandalized property, and stood on furniture, prompted the university to call in New York police, resulting in 80 arrests. Rubio emphasized that “pro-Hamas thugs” are unwelcome, while Columbia condemned the violence and antisemitism, noting injuries to two security officers and disruptions to academic activities.

The Trump administration, which has previously penalized Columbia over its handling of anti-Israel protests, including revoking federal funds in March, commended Acting President Claire Shipman for her firm response. The administration’s antisemitism task force expressed confidence in Columbia’s disciplinary actions. Meanwhile, Columbia University Apartheid Divest, the group behind the protest, praised supporters of the arrested protesters. The State Department underscored its commitment to national security through stringent visa processes.