AG Bondi says violent anti-Israel student protesters in US on visas ‘need to be kicked out’

Attorney General Pam Bondi Calls for Deportation of Anti-Israel Protesters on Visas

Attorney General Pam Bondi has sparked controversy by calling for the deportation of anti-Israel student protesters who are in the United States on visas and reportedly threatening American students. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) near Washington, D.C., Bondi joined Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and radio show host Ben Ferguson on a live podcast of "Verdict with Ted Cruz." She emphasized that the safety of all students is paramount and asserted that foreign students who engage in threatening behavior should face consequences. "These students who are here on visas, who are threatening our American students, need to be kicked out of this country," Bondi said. Her statement was met with approval from Cruz, who responded with a simple "Amen." Bondi, who was sworn in as the nation’s 87th attorney general on February 5, stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law, calling it a "pretty basic" responsibility of her office.

Anti-Israel Protests on Campus: Violence and Antisemitism

Bondi also addressed the recent wave of anti-Israel protests on college campuses, which she described as anything but peaceful. Referencing her perspective before taking office, she criticized the characterization of these protests as nonviolent, drawing a contrast with how other forms of protest, such as those by parents outside abortion clinics or Catholic parents at school board meetings, are often labeled as domestic terrorism. "These aren’t peaceful protests," she said, adding that the anti-Israel demonstrations have been violent. Her remarks came amid a surge in antisemitism across U.S. campuses following the outbreak of war in Israel on October 7, 2023, spearheaded by the terrorist organization Hamas. Jewish students have reported feeling unsafe, with incidents ranging from menacing graffiti to direct threats. At Columbia University, protesters even took over Hamilton Hall, while schools like UCLA, Harvard, and Yale faced challenges in addressing encampments where demonstrators demanded complete divestment from Israel.

The Attorney General’s Concerns About the DOJ

In addition to discussing campus protests, Bondi shared her concerns about the state of the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the previous administration, led by former President Joe Biden. She expressed disbelief at the level of politicization and dysfunction within the agency, stating, "What concerned me the most? It’s the volume of how bad it was, and it still is." Despite these challenges, Bondi remains optimistic, highlighting the efforts of her team to address the issues day by day. On her first day in office, she issued 14 executive orders, with the first aimed at ending the weaponization of the DOJ. She emphasized that this mission is ongoing and that her team is committed to restoring the agency’s focus on fighting crime.

Restoring Order and Accountability at the DOJ

Bondi acknowledged that the majority of DOJ employees are dedicated public servants who entered the legal profession to fight crime and uphold justice. She noted that many employees have expressed gratitude for her leadership, which they believe is helping to restore the agency’s integrity. "The majority of the people are great people, who went to law school, became prosecutors, became law enforcement agents to fight crime," she said. This sentiment reflects her broader goal of depoliticizing the DOJ and ensuring that the rule of law is applied fairly and impartially. By taking decisive actions, such as issuing executive orders, Bondi aims to signal a new era of accountability and transparency within the agency.

The Broader Implications of Bondi’s Message

Bondi’s comments at CPAC underscore a broader theme of accountability and安全 in both the educational and legal systems. Her call to deport foreign students who engage in violent or threatening behavior reflects a commitment to protecting American citizens and maintaining order on campuses. At the same time, her critique of the DOJ highlights the challenges of restoring trust in institutions that have been perceived as politicized. By addressing these issues head-on, Bondi is positioning herself as a leader who is willing to take tough stances to ensure safety and fairness.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Accountability

In summary, Attorney General Pam Bondi’s remarks at CPAC highlighted two critical issues: the rise of antisemitism and violence on college campuses, and the need to restore integrity at the DOJ. Her call for deporting foreign students who threaten American students reflects a firm stance on enforcing the law and protecting citizens. Meanwhile, her efforts to address the politicization of the DOJ signal a commitment to ensuring that the agency operates with fairness and accountability. As the nation grapples with these challenges, Bondi’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safety, order, and the rule of law in both educational institutions and government agencies.