Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at combating antisemitism, which directs federal agencies to explore measures to deport pro-Palestinian activists, including student protesters in the US on visas. The order instructs agencies to identify civil and criminal authorities that can be used to remove resident aliens found to have broken the law during demonstrations.
Within 60 days, department and agency leaders must provide recommendations to the White House. The order also calls on the Department of Justice to investigate pro-Hamas graffiti and intimidation, particularly on college campuses. The move appears to target those who engaged in protests following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
Republicans have repeatedly threatened to cut federal funding from universities that permit pro-Palestinian protests. Last week, Trump proposed to “just clean out” the Gaza Strip by relocating Palestinians to other countries, drawing accusations of ethnic cleansing. During his campaign, he vowed to deport “pro-Hamas” students on visas, and on his first day in office, he signed an executive order stating that aliens must not bear hostile attitudes toward US citizens, culture, or institutions.
