Marco Rubio Defends Revocation of Visas for Activists Linked to Campus Protests

The Secretary of State emphasized that visa holders involved in activities deemed harmful to U.S. interests could face deportation, highlighting the case of Mahmoud Khalil.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. will continue revoking visas and deporting individuals whose actions are considered counter to U.S. foreign policy or public safety interests.
Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and legal U.S. resident, was arrested by ICE for participating in campus protests linked to pro-Palestinian movements and alleged vandalism.
Rubio argued that Khalil's involvement as a negotiator during campus protests violated the terms of his residency, although no direct evidence of material support for Hamas has been presented.
Protests have erupted in response to Khalil's detention and pending deportation, with demonstrators accusing the Trump administration of infringing on free speech rights.
Columbia University has disciplined students involved in the protests, while the federal government has revoked funding from the school over its handling of antisemitism and disruptive protests.