Some organizations applauded the move. But the raid chilled other American Jews, even some who consider themselves supporters of Israel.

"This is the first arrest of many to come," the president said of Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder abducted by immigration agents and sent to Louisiana.

Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia graduate and Palestinian who is in the country legally and holds a green card, was arrested by ICE over his role in pro-Palestinian activism.