The United States Justice Department on Friday announced an investigation into possible violations of terrorism laws during recent protests at Columbia University over the Gaza conflict, marking a significant escalation in federal scrutiny of pro-Palestinian activism on campus.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, in a statement, said the probe was part of President Donald Trump’s broader initiative to combat antisemitism, describing it as a necessary response to what he called long-standing inaction.

The move has sparked concerns among civil rights advocates, who argue that the protests are protected under the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech. The development also underscores the administration’s aggressive stance towards university policies it claims enable antisemitism.

Federal demands and dormitory searches

The Trump administration has issued a set of demands to Columbia University, conditioning the resumption of $400 million in federal funding—suspended last week—on compliance. The demands, outlined in a letter dated Thursday, include formally defining antisemitism, banning face coverings intended to conceal identity, and placing the university’s Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies departments under external oversight.

Additionally, the administration has called for reforms in Columbia’s admissions and international recruitment policies to align with federal regulations, though specific changes were not detailed.

The announcement coincided with searches conducted by the Department of Homeland Security at two dormitory rooms on Columbia’s campus. According to interim university president Katrina Armstrong, no arrests were made, and no items were confiscated during the operation.

Federal agents have also been observed near student housing in recent days, with concerns rising over potential immigration enforcement actions targeting students. Last week, immigration officials detained Mahmoud Khalil, a key organizer of last year’s Columbia protests, in an attempt to deport him—a move currently being challenged in court.

Wider federal crackdown

The investigation into Columbia University is part of a broader federal effort to address what the Trump administration describes as a hostile environment for Jewish students. The Department of Education recently launched probes into 60 universities over allegations of tolerating antisemitism. Separately, the department is also reviewing 45 institutions for their involvement in diversity programs that allegedly violate civil rights laws by setting eligibility criteria based on race.

Student demonstrations at Columbia gained momentum following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military offensive in Gaza. Protesters called for the university to divest from Israeli-linked investments and for the US government to end military aid to Israel.

The Trump administration has criticized Columbia for what it calls an inadequate response to the protests, particularly a weeks-long encampment and a brief occupation of a campus building by activists.

Brian Hauss, a senior attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union and part of Khalil’s legal team, dismissed the federal investigation as an overreach.

"The First Amendment does not provide grounds to conflate pro-Palestinian activism with support for Hamas," Hauss said at a press briefing.

Columbia’s response

In response to federal pressure, Columbia University has begun disciplinary action against students involved in last spring’s demonstrations. In a statement, the university confirmed that suspensions, expulsions, and degree revocations had been issued but did not disclose the number of students affected.

The university stated it was reviewing the federal government’s letter and remained committed to upholding academic freedom while addressing all forms of discrimination on campus.

Meanwhile, protests continued outside Columbia’s main gate on Friday, with demonstrators expressing anger over federal intervention.

"The government shouldn’t dictate what universities can teach or who they can admit," said Demetri, a graduate student at Columbia. "This is a dangerous precedent."