Student protesters gather inside an encampment on the Columbia University campus on April 29, 2024. The federal government has terminated $400 million in funds to the Ivy League university although investigations into alleged antisemitic harassment are continuing.

Columbia University is fighting two wars at once. One rages publicly against President Trump, whose administration in recent days ordered the arrest of a student protester and canceled federal funds to the Ivy League school over allegations of antisemitism.

President Donald Trump warned Monday that the arrest and possible deportation of a Palestinian activist who helped lead protests at Columbia University will be the first "of many to come" as his administration cracks down on campus demonstrations against Israel and the war in Gaza.

Mahmoud Khalil’s attorneys pushed for his release, while Jewish groups debate whether this is the campus antisemitism fight they wanted.

Mahmoud Khalil's wife and attorney both released statements on Tuesday shedding more light on the activist's detainment and the days leading up to it.

"He is always willing to stand up for the oppressed," she said of Mahmoud Khalil, whom ICE agents abducted for leading the anti-war student protests on campus.