Columbia University descended into chaos as over 80 anti-Israel agitators were arrested after storming Butler Library during finals week. Masked protesters occupied study halls, clashed with campus security, and prompted NYPD and ICE intervention. With rising antisemitism, threats to Jewish students, and federal funding now at stake, the elite Ivy League institution faces mounting political, legal, and public pressure. Columbia officials and NYC authorities warn that lawbreakers—especially foreign students—will face harsh consequences.
Columbia Erupts During Finals Week: Protesters Storm Library
Chaos broke out at Columbia University on Wednesday afternoon when more than 100 masked anti-Israel agitators stormed the iconic Butler Library, pushing past security and interrupting students preparing for final exams. According to law enforcement, the protesters chanted “Free Palestine,” climbed on desks, and attempted to occupy the space in a dramatic escalation of ongoing anti-Israel demonstrations.
University officials quickly requested backup from the New York Police Department (NYPD). More than 80 individuals were arrested, with all confirmed to be current Columbia students, sources told Fox News. The protest appeared to support Mahmoud Khalil, a recently arrested graduate student accused of organizing similar demonstrations.
ICE and State Department Take Action
In a highly unusual step, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began monitoring the situation closely. Fox News reports that suspects arrested on-site were fingerprinted to determine their immigration status, raising concerns that foreign students involved could face visa revocation or deportation.
One ICE official bluntly stated:
“Time to make a point.”
Simultaneously, the State Department issued a warning to international students, underscoring that participation in illegal or extremist activity on U.S. soil could result in visa revocation.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared:
“We are reviewing the visa status of the trespassers and vandals who took over Columbia University’s library. Pro-Hamas thugs are no longer welcome in our great nation.”
Protester Demands: Renaming Library, Divestment from Israel
During the hostile takeover, demonstrators reportedly renamed Butler Library as the “Basel Al-Araj Popular University,” in honor of a Palestinian activist. Posters declared the space a “liberation zone,” demanding the Ivy League school cut all financial ties with Israel.
Eyewitnesses described masked protesters barricading entrances, climbing furniture, and blocking study spaces. One student told Fox News:
“We were just trying to study for finals. Suddenly, we were forced out. It was terrifying.”
University Condemns Actions, Cites Injuries and Rule Violations
Claire Shipman, Columbia’s acting president, confirmed in a statement that the university had “no choice” but to summon police. She also revealed that two Columbia Public Safety officers were injured during the mob’s rush into Room 301.
“These actions are outrageous. Participants were repeatedly asked to leave and warned that failure to comply would result in arrest,” Shipman said. “Requesting the NYPD’s presence is not what we wanted, but it was absolutely necessary.”
Columbia further warned that anyone violating university policies would face disciplinary consequences, up to and including suspension or expulsion.
Mayor Adams: “Exit Now or Be Arrested”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams threw his support behind Columbia’s Jewish students and NYPD efforts, stating unequivocally:
“We will not tolerate hate or violence in any form. If you are not a student, leave Columbia’s campus immediately—or be arrested.”
He also appealed to the families of protesters, urging them to encourage their children to obey the law.
The NYPD has reportedly set up checkpoints and demanded identification from any masked demonstrators still in the building. “Nobody comes in, nobody comes out,” campus security was overheard saying.
A Pattern of Escalation: Columbia’s History of Protest and Violence
Wednesday’s riot marks a chilling repeat of last year’s campus protests, which saw students occupy Hamilton Hall, erect encampments, and clash violently with police in riot gear. In that confrontation, over 200 students were arrested as demonstrations raged against Israel’s response to Hamas’ October 7 attack, which left 1,200 Israelis dead.
Columbia had issued advance warnings this semester that any encampments would be torn down and agitators arrested. Internal security had intercepted chatter about renewed plans to replicate last year’s chaos, prompting preemptive preparations.
Columbia Faces Financial and Staffing Crisis
The unrest comes as Columbia reels from the Trump administration’s decision in March to revoke $400 million in federal research grants, citing the university’s “failure to protect Jewish students from antisemitic harassment.”
As a result, Columbia announced this week that 180 staff members—many working on projects tied to the terminated grants—would be laid off.
“Across the research portfolio, we’ve had to make difficult choices,” Shipman said. “Today, nearly 180 of our colleagues will receive notices of non-renewal or termination.”
GOP Praises Crackdown, Dems Face Criticism
Republican lawmakers were quick to respond. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) praised the defunding move, tweeting:
“Not a single taxpayer dollar should go to a university that allows chaos, antisemitism, and civil rights violations on its campus. Enough is enough.”
Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), chair of the House GOP, dismissed the need for further investigations:
“We don’t need to study the problem. Columbia is what happens when there are no consequences.”
Khalil’s Arrest Fuels Protest Flame
The movement seems to have rallied around Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate student arrested last month at a university-owned apartment. According to his attorney, ICE and Homeland Security Investigations agents revoked his green card and student visa, before detaining him in Louisiana.
His arrest was cited by protesters as symbolic of broader “Palestinian oppression,” fueling chants and calls for his release.
Columbia at a Crossroads
As Columbia University finds itself in the national spotlight once again, the administration faces growing pressure to enforce its rules while safeguarding student rights. With dozens arrested, a federal crackdown underway, and accusations of rising campus antisemitism, the university may be forced to redefine its tolerance threshold in the coming weeks.
What is clear: the protests are no longer fringe. They’re a national flashpoint, colliding at the intersection of free speech, national security, and the future of American academia.
