Trump: Arrest of Palestinian Columbia student is ‘the first of many’

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump says the weekend arrest of a “radical foreign pro-Hamas” Palestinian student at Columbia University was the first of many.

Trump writes on Truth Social that Mahmoud Khalil was “proudly apprehended” by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“This is the first arrest of many to come,” writes Trump.

“We know there are more students at Columbia and other universities across the country who have engaged in pro-terrorist, antisemitic, anti-American activity, and the Trump Administration will not tolerate it,” he continues.

“Many are not students, they are paid agitators. We will find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist sympathizers from our country — never to return again,” Trump says.

“If you support terrorism, including the slaughtering of innocent men, women, and children; your presence is contrary to our national and foreign policy interests, and you are not welcome here,” he adds.

“We expect every one of America’s colleges and Universities to comply. Thank you!”

In a separate post about Khalil’s arrest, the White House tweets, “Shalom Mahmoud.”

Last week, Trump wrote, “Shalom Hamas” in a Truth Social post that included his ultimatum for the terror group to immediately release all hostages or face destruction; and his communications team seems to like the phrase.

SHALOM, MAHMOUD.

"ICE proudly apprehended and detained Mahmoud Khalil, a Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student on the campus of @Columbia University. This is the first arrest of many to come." –President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/gfuPd0tskf

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 10, 2025