VIDEO: Federal agents search two dorm rooms at Columbia University

Officials from the Department of Homeland Security on Friday searched two dorm rooms at Columbia University, days after immigration authorities arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and recent graduate.

The search came as the Trump administration sought to deport Khalil, citing him as a national security threat.

Read more: Columbia University expels students over Hind’s Hall occupation protest

Columbia's interim president, Katrina Armstrong, confirmed the search in a campus-wide note, stating that federal agents presented search warrants for private areas of the university but did not detain anyone or seize any items. She assured that no safety concerns were raised for students, faculty, or staff.

Notably, anonymous activists have defaced Armstrong's residence in protest, calling for the release of the expelled students and writing, "FREE THEM ALL!"

The search follows a significant move by the Trump administration to cut $400 million in funding from Columbia University. This action came after the university was accused of failing to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests last year. Some demonstrations had included support for the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led terrorist attack against 'Israel.'

Khalil, of Palestinian descent, was active in Columbia's pro-Palestinian student movement and has been accused of participating in antisemitic activities, although no direct links to Hamas have been established. He is currently being held in a detention center in Louisiana.

Read more: Yale Law School suspends pro-Palestine professor