WASHINGTON

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration is reviewing the visa status of pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied Columbia University’s main library in Manhattan late Wednesday.

"We are reviewing the visa status of the trespassers and vandals who took over Columbia University’s library.

"Pro-Hamas thugs are no longer welcome in our great nation," Rubio said on X.

His remarks came after dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested after they attempted to occupy Butler Library.

University President Claire Shipman said the individuals involved refused "to identify themselves and leave the building."

Shipman said she called in the New York City Police Department (NYPD) because of the "number of individuals participating in the disruption inside and outside of the building, a large group of people attempting to force their way into Butler Library creating a safety hazard, and what we believe to be the significant presence of individuals not affiliated with the University."

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said New York City will "always defend the right to peaceful protest, but we will never tolerate lawlessness."

"To those protesting on campus who do not attend Columbia: exit the campus immediately or you will be arrested. We will not tolerate hate or violence in any form in our city," he said in a statement.