Fox News Latest Headlines

Italian PM Meloni ally fires back against criticism says policies the same but 'Europe has changed'

FIRST ON FOX - A close ally to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told Fox News Digital that criticism against her for abandoning policies on illegal migration and other issues is unfounded.  

Italian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Edmondo Cirielli told Fox News Digital, "Giorgia Meloni hasn't changed, Europe has changed." Cirielli is the co-founder and national coordinator of Meloni's party, the Fratelli D'Italia Party.

He said Italy is inspiring the European Union president to follow its strong conservative stances.

MELONI'S SHIFT FROM ANTI-GLOBALIST TO PRO-EUROPE, BIDEN BUDDY INFURIATES BASE: 'WILL NOT VOTE FOR HER ANYMORE'

He said that the Europe of Ursula von der Leyen is paying attention to Italy's policies and "is listening to Italy's reasons. Italy has always wanted nations to be stronger in Europe and is leading the rest of the European Union on this. Von der Leyen herself is accompanying Meloni in her action against illegal immigration. They have already intervened in Egypt and Tunisia. We will soon do it in Libya too."

He added "among other things, there are European elections in a few months and the conservative party led by Giorgia Meloni, the European Conservative Party led by Giorgia Meloni, will give a new direction to this Europe. And the European Parliament itself, the European People's Party itself, will have to take into account the problems that exist today and that Giorgia Meloni identified during her electoral campaign." 

Birth rates in Italy have dropped to a record low in 2023 with a 15th consecutive annual decline. In 2023, Italy recorded 379,000 births, a 3.6% decline from 2022. 

Cirielli said the problem does not only concern Italy, but concerns all of Western Europe. In its 2024 budget, Italy earmarked around 1 billion Euros (approximately $1.1 billion) for several measures aimed at addressing Italy's demographic crisis. 

"We are implementing a series of policies aimed at supporting births, birth rates and young couples, both on an economic and financial level, and this is obviously also a social phenomenon. It's about changing your mindset and understanding that life is an opportunity and a joy for everyone," the deputy foreign minister said.

The journey from North Africa to Italy has become one of the busiest migration routes with data showing migrant arrivals jumping 50% in 2023 from the previous year.

Cirielli accompanied Prime Minister Meloni last week on her fourth visit to Tunisia in a year when they signed new accords as part of Italy’s "Mattei Plan" for Africa. 

"We are faced with an epochal fact that does not only concern Italy," said Cirielli.

MORE THAN 63,000 MIGRANTS HAVE DIED OR GONE MISSING SINCE 2014, UN AGENCY REPORTS

The Mattei Plan seeks to tackle education and training, agriculture, health, water and energy development while aiming to make Italy an energy hub to transport natural gas supplies from Africa to the rest of Europe.

"We are intervening, first of all, with agreements with North African countries to prevent the departures from these coasts, but above all, we are trying to come to the places of origin of the migration. They are trying to help development and at the same time also provide legal channels of migration. Because the real problem is not migration itself and rather it is the criminal organizations that are behind the trafficking of migrants which is creating a new slave trade."

He added, "This globalization is becoming very powerful on a financial level, exploiting this trafficking and in this way destabilizing Africa, becoming criminal organizations that launder this money from international trafficking, funneling it into drugs, armaments and also to often support the causes of terrorist organizations."

Under Italy’s rotating stewardship, the G-7 foreign ministers met last week on the Italian resort island of Capri with calls for new sanctions against Iran over its attack against Israel.

"Italy, with the presidency of the G-7, has condemned Iran's action and knows well that Iran is carrying out a destabilizing action in the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East, but it is equally true that we do not need an escalation… Israel's bombing of a consular office, the diplomatic headquarters, was also a risky act. On the other hand, all of the G-7 noted that Iran's response was a response, this time a balanced, moderate response compared to the episode itself."

Cirielli added "It was understood that the Iranian government does not want an escalation and therefore everyone agrees, in the G-7, at the invitation following the lead of Biden and Giorgia Meloni and neighbors who are close and ready to support,Israel, especially Israel's right to defend itself and Israel's right to exist. But we must carry forward a de-escalation and prevent a regional war from erupting from this issue in Gaza."

In December, Italy withdrew from China’s Belt and Road Initiative which intended to rebuild the Silk Road to connect China with Asia and Europe by expanding China’s infrastructure spending on roads and shipping routes. 

Cirielli says the move to withdraw is not an interruption between the relationship of Italy and China but in the best interest of Italian trade.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"It was a mistake by the Conte Government and the center-left governments that preceded us to make a political agreement because this seemed inconsistent with the alliance of the North Atlantic Treaty and also with the European Union…we terminated this agreement at the natural deadline and are establishing a new economic-social partnership, as like France and Germany have known. Therefore, there is not an interruption of relations, but a different modulation based on ancient, thousand-year-old relations almost only between the Italic peoples and the Chinese peoples, based absolutely on good dialogue, on profitable trade for both." 

The "Opposition had said that it is not wrong to have diplomatic relations or economic relations with China, it is wrong to have a political relationship that is underlying the agreement launched by China towards the world," he concluded. 

Hot headlines: Teen reels in monster catch, America's tastiest food stories and more in Lifestyle this week

Lifestyle headlines from this week included stories focused on American cuisine, a teenager's jaw-dropping catfish catch — and much more.

Fun quizzes and crosswords are always available to dive into as well.

(Fox News Digital publishes daily crossword puzzles 24/7!)

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Grab your coffee or tea, lean back — and soak up even more trending articles at www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

From tacos to pierogi to gumbo to lobster rolls, there's probably a food truck that sells them. Here are five notable restaurants on wheels to check out across the United States. Click here to get the story. 

Shakshuka is the "heart of Israeli culture," Israel-American chef Avi Shemtov told Fox News Digital. Shakshuka is a savory tomato stew popular in both Israel and the U.S. Click here to get the story. 

Tabasco, founded in Avery Island, Louisiana, in 1868, is one of the world's most popular hot sauces. Here's the surprising origin of Louisiana heat. Click here to get the story. 

An Ohio teen, Jaylynn Parker, potentially broke a fishing state record after catching a monster-sized blue catfish weighing over 100 pounds with the jug fishing method. Click here to get the story.

A peacock that had begun making "loud" noises as it searched for a mate has finally been caught — and is now being cared for by an animal rescue group. Click here to get the story.

A team of officers with the Gulf Shores Police Department in Alabama received a complaint from a local resident. Why? There was a six-foot-long alligator hiding in his garage. Click here to get the story. 

The top U.S. cities for book lovers are announced as reading and book club memberships are on the rise. Is your city on this list? Click here to get the story. 

A Texas flight attendant is sharing top tips for summer travel, including how to save money, how to pack best — and why some destinations may be more appealing than others. Click here to get the story. 

An iconic corner in Winslow, Arizona, is a travel destination for daily visitors. It's also mentioned in one of the most memorable songs in American music history. Click here to get the story.

America is running short on veterinarians — which could lead to problems for pets. Fox News spoke to Dr. Christina Sisk, Humane Society of Ventura County's director of veterinary services in California, about the concerning issue. Click here to get the story.

A Florida puppy is turning heads — not just because she's an adorable golden retriever, but because her fur was lime green when she was born. Click here to get the story.

In this adorable scene, a mama gorilla tickles her young baby. So sweet! Click here to get the video.

A pink moon in the sky was the last thing some folks expected to see. Click here to get the video.

Exactly 224 years ago this week, President John Adams — second U.S. president — approved the appropriation of $5,000 for the purchase of "such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress," according to the website of the Library of Congress. Click here to get the story.

Meet John Froelich, an Iowa-born American who invented the gas-powered tractor — which changed global agriculture as the world would know it. Click here to get the story.

A Dallas-area church recently hosted a conference with the goal of enabling Christians and their congregations to help address the foster care crisis in the United States. Click here to get the story. 

Amid the anti-Israel protests at American college campuses and other evidence of rising antisemitism, one faith leader is stressing the importance of prayer. Click here to get the story. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

104-year-old time capsule discovered during demolition of Minnesota high school

During a demolition project of a former Minnesota high school, construction workers discovered in the rubble a time capsule from 1920.

The capsule, which was buried at Owatonna High School in Owatonna, Minnesota, was found as the construction crew was pulling down the front pillars and doors of the school.

The time capsule was opened during a community event on Monday, with the items found inside including a roster of the teachers and administrators at Owatonna Public Schools in 1920, the high school magnet, the high school newspaper, three local newspapers and financial statements.

JUDGE DISMISSES 2 FELONY CHARGES AGAINST ALLEGED WOULD-BE MINNESOTA COLLEGE SHOOTER

"We were thrilled to discover that a time capsule had been placed in the cornerstone of the high school," the school district’s superintendent, Jeff Elstad, told Fox Television Stations. "It's always exciting to learn more about the history of our community and the people who had the foresight to build a great school that would serve so many students for generations."

"While you never know exactly what might be included, many of the items such as newspapers and local history are typical of what is included in a time capsule … It was especially fun to discover the items that specifically shared information about the schools at that time," he added.

The Owatonna High School Museum Committee is working with the Steele County Historical Society to dry and preserve the items. A determination will then be made as to which items will be displayed at the school and which will be moved into the historical society's collections.

MINNESOTA POLICE CLEAR OUT ANTI-ISRAEL PROTEST IN THE HEART OF ILHAN OMAR'S CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Elstad said the discovery has allowed the community to look back at local history.

"We appreciate the historical significance of the time capsule and are committed to continuing to preserve our history for generations to come," he said.

More than 20 senior DC cops to be dismissed, including several due to alleged serious misconduct

More than 20 senior Washington, D.C., police officers will not be returning to the force after the end of the month, with more than half due to alleged serious misconduct. 

The 21 officers had all retired and were rehired by the Metropolitan Police Department on a year-by-year basis, according to Fox 5 DC. These officers' contracts all end on April 30.

The Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022 prohibited the police department from "appointing police officers who have any serious misconduct in their background," police spokesperson Tom Lynch told the outlet.

The law led to 12 of the officers being dismissed.

DC NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING LEAVES MULTIPLE WOUNDED

After first being introduced in the summer of 2020 in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minnesota, the law was later made permanent in December 2022 and transmitted to Congress without D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser's signature, according to Fox 5 DC.

The bill strengthens police disciplinary procedures, addresses police use of force, limits consent searches, bolsters the office of police complaints, makes it easier for the public to access records and body camera footage when there is an investigation into possible police misconduct and barred the police department from hiring officers disciplined or fired for past serious misconduct.

It also sought to "unequivocally strengthen" a 1985 law banning chokeholds and neck restraints.

The contracts of the nine other officers were not renewed "for a variety of reasons," Lynch said, although the details of why these officers are being let go are unclear.

DC MAYOR REFUSES TO MEET WITH FATHER WHO LOST THREE SONS TO CITY'S VIOLENT CRIME

"The DC Police Union was notified that twelve Senior Police Officers will be dismissed from service over the coming months," the D.C. Police Union said in a statement. "Senior Police Officers are officers who have retired from the department, but returned to continue serving their community as sworn law enforcement officers. The reason that the MPD provided to the Union for these dismissals is the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Act of 2022."

"This bill, which is inarguably the worst piece of public safety legislation the DC Council has ever passed, continues to wreak havoc on the police department. It's well worth noting that this legislation was drafted and championed by [D.C. Councilmember] Charles Allen and his anti-police acolytes," the statement continues.

The union adds: "The bill prohibits the hiring of sworn personnel if they have ever received sustained discipline from any law enforcement agency. This includes the Metropolitan Police Department, meaning that these officers, who have spent their careers serving and protecting this city, are ineligible to be retained by the MPD due to prior administrative personnel matters, some of which are over 20 years old."

Choppers, dogs and towers: Inside the Fed's fight against illegal immigrant intruders

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. — As Border Patrol agents work to combat the movement of illegal immigrants across the southern border in the El Paso Sector, they say a multi-layered enforcement system that has been expanded in recent years and combines the use of barriers with technology and other forms of enforcement has helped thwart cartel smuggling operations and nab illegal immigrants moving into the U.S.

Overshadowing the border in Sunland Park, New Mexico, is miles of border wall. Some of it is border fence built during the Obama administration, while other parts consist of Trump-era bollard wall. 

Fox News Digital was on the ground when agents nabbed illegal immigrants just feet from the fence they had cut a hole through. Even though they got through, it gave agents time to apprehend them. Agents generally prefer the bollard fencing, saying it is harder to cut through. And other parts of the fencing have been reinforced with bollards and, in some cases, filled with concrete.

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: FENCE-CUTTING MIGRANTS BUSTED BY FEDS

However, critics of barriers have noted that barriers are not a fix by themselves. Barriers, even those with bollards and filled with concrete, can be cut through. And strewn along the border were makeshift ladders and ropes, which migrants use to scale the barrier.

Along other parts of the border, wall construction isn't possible. This is the case on the looming Mount Cristo Rey, a steep area where a wall cannot be built and the U.S.-Mexico border is marked only with obelisks. It is here that other layers of the enforcement strategy come into play.

The Biden administration stopped most border wall construction in 2021, although it has continued to make some repairs and moved forward with construction that had already been appropriated. Overall, however, it has instead emphasized the importance of technology. And in this area, agents say the administration has delivered.

There are now 24 autonomous surveillance towers (AST) in the El Paso Sector, and there are more than 50 deployed in the neighboring Big Bend Sector, officials say. The Biden administration’s fiscal 2025 budget includes an additional $127 million for "modernizing border security technology," including additional deployments of towers.

The 24-hour-a-day towers, running on renewable energy, work by scanning the environment with radar. They use artificial intelligence to "hand off" from one another. So, if a group moves out of sight of one tower, the neighboring tower picks it up. The use of AST did not start with the Biden administration. It began during the Trump administration, but it has expanded dramatically under the current administration.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF THE BORDER SECURITY CRISIS

CBP says the technology comes into play even before migrants get into the U.S., allowing agents to plan before anyone even steps foot on U.S. soil. The AI technology can scan faces, differentiate between humans and wildlife and can send immediate alerts to agents in the field on their phones or tablets. It can also identify how many people are in a group. So, if agents are told to look for a group of eight migrants and find only five, they know there’s another three they still have to track down.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

The towers have been deployed throughout the border, but here they are especially useful given the treacherous terrain in the mountains. With the towers in place, agents don’t need to chase migrants up the mountain. They can monitor and track them via the towers and wait for the migrants to eventually emerge (often exhausted) on flat land. 

Should migrants get through the border wall and become spotted by the surveillance towers, they still need to be apprehended. This is where the Border Patrol agents will make the apprehensions. 

But they have assistance. The CBP Canine Unit is headquartered in El Paso, and some Border Patrol agents are trained how to use specially trained dogs to track down migrants and smugglers, in addition to the unit's roles in other fields throughout CBP’s jurisdiction.

The K-9s can also help apprehend those illegal immigrants who may become violent and try to attack agents. Fox saw Canu, one of the K-9s deployed in Sunland Park, work with his handler as he sniffed the terrain for a possible lead.

SPIKE IN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM THIS US ADVERSARY BLOWS LID OFF PREVIOUS YEAR'S RECORD

Meanwhile, Border Patrol is also aided by helicopters from CBP’s Air and Marine Operations (AMO). They swoop over the mountains to conduct additional surveillance, scaring off migrants who may be planning on making the run across, while also allowing AMO to help with rescues quickly if needed.  

In the fiscal 2025 budget, the administration wants to invest an additional $210 million in staffing, which includes Border Patrol, as well as $86 million for AMO support.

Another deployment here in El Paso is the use of rescue towers, which allow migrants to press a button to call for help. The 21 towers in the sector warn migrants they are in danger and can call for assistance. The button triggers a sharp blue light on top of the beacon visible by agents miles around.

Fox viewed one rescue tower situated near where there was an infamous case in 2021 of two young girls, 3 and 5, dropped off by a smuggler over the wall. Luckily, agents spotted and rescued them. Other migrants have not been so lucky, and there are plenty of instances of agents coming across dead bodies. These towers are designed to help prevent that.

So far in fiscal 2024, agents in the El Paso Sector have rescued more than 300 migrants, but there have also been 34 migrant deaths.

While in nearby Texas there has been friction between the federal government and state officials, here in New Mexico, local authorities and CBP are working together. 

New Mexico state law enforcement will coordinate with Border Patrol to stop illegal immigrants coming across. Recently, officials in Dona Ana County announced a partnership to prosecute state offenses committed by smugglers.

Overall, Border Patrol believe the multi-layered enforcement strategy is working. They point to a sharp decrease in apprehensions over the last year. There were 427,471 in fiscal 2023 by Border Patrol in the sector. So far in fiscal 2024, which began in October, there have been just over 150,000. 

Separately, officials point to the busting of more than 136 stash houses, with over 1,377 smuggled migrants by their interdiction teams so far in fiscal 2024.

DC nightclub shooting leaves multiple people wounded

A shooting Friday night inside a nightclub in the Dupont Circle neighborhood in Washington, D.C., left multiple people wounded.

The Metropolitan Police Department said officers responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of Connecticut Ave Northwest and 18th Street Northwest at around 11:30 p.m.

Five adult victims were found suffering from gunshot wounds and were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, MPD Assistant Chief Ramey Kyle said in a video message posted on X.

Kyle said one suspect was taken into custody and a weapon was recovered from the scene.

DC MAYOR REFUSES TO MEET WITH FATHER WHO LOST THREE SONS TO CITY'S VIOLENT CRIME

The incident happened after a dispute inside the nightclub, which spilled into the street, Kyle said.

Police said the scene is secure and there is no further threat to the community.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the police for more information.

Britney Spears settles bitter legal battle with estranged father Jamie Spears

Britney Spears has reached a settlement in her legal battle with her estranged father Jamie Spears.

The 42-year-old pop star's conservatorship case with Jamie, 71, has come to an end more than two years after the controversial legal arrangement that controlled her life and money for 14 years was terminated. 

The details of the case, which was related to an outstanding dispute over Jamie's request for Spears to pay his legal fees, were not made public.

"It has been our honor and privilege to represent, protect, and defend Britney Spears," the Grammy Award winner's lawyer Mathew Rosengart said in a statement to Fox News Digital on Friday.

"Although the conservatorship was terminated in November, 2021, her wish for freedom is now truly complete," he continued. "As she desired, her freedom now includes that she will no longer need to attend or be involved with court or entangled with legal proceedings in this matter."

BRITNEY SPEARS ‘DIDN’T MEAN TO OFFEND ANYONE,' AS JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE IS REPORTEDLY ‘HAPPY’ DESPITE HER CLAIMS

"Britney Spears won when the court suspended her father, and Britney Spears won when her fundamental rights and civil liberties were restored."

Rosengart went on to praise Spears for the "remarkable success" that she has achieved since the conservatorship ended.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Spears collaborated with Elton John on the song "Hold Me Closer," which hit number one on iTunes hours after its release in August 2022 and topped the Billboard's Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart the following month. "Hold Me Closer" was the first new recording that Spears released since her 2016 album "Glory" and became her 24 top-10 single.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

In July 2023, she released "Mind Your Business" with Will.i.am and was listed as a co-writer on the collaboration.

Spears's highly anticipated memoir "The Woman in Me" was published by Simon & Schuster in October 2023. The book reached the number one spot on New York Times best-seller list after selling more than a million copies in its first week.

Rosengart said that Spears' achievements "would not have been possible during the conservatorship."

"We repeat our gratification for being in a position to help restore the civil rights and liberties of Britney Spears and the honor and privilege it has been to serve and protect Ms. Spears and obtain her goals in resolving various legal matters pursuant to her thoughtful and wise instruction and requests, which once again are to her credit," Rosengart said.

Jamie's attorney Alex Weingarten did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Freight train carrying gasoline, propane derails near Arizona-New Mexico line amid aftermath of severe weather

A freight train derailed on Friday near the Arizona-New Mexico border, halting traffic along Interstate 40 as the area recovers from severe weather in the region.

The New Mexico State Police said that they responded, alongside multiple other agencies, to the freight train splayed out along the interstate on Friday evening.

"NMSP is on the scene of a train derailment along with multiple other agencies on Interstate 40 milepost 8 near the Arizona border," the department said in a press release.

WATCH: TORNADOES TEAR ACROSS AMERICA'S HEARTLAND, LEAVING CATASTROPHIC DESTRUCTION IN MULTIPLE STATES

The agency said that there were no reports of injuries – despite the train's derailment in proximity to the busy interstate.

Authorities said that the train was carrying gasoline and non-odorized propane and promptly lit on fire.

Video by Hunter Smith and obtained by Fox News Digital showed the aftermath of the derailment, with the cargo train toppled to the side of the tracks.

MICHIGAN MAN CAUGHT AFTER ATTEMPTING TO FLEE US TO HONG KONG AFTER FATAL BUILDING EXPLOSION, FIRE: POLICE

Smith said that the derailment came after a tornado tore across Northeast Lincoln on Friday afternoon. 

The NMSP said that the interstate was closed in all directions as agencies worked to extinguish the fire

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

"I-40 is closed in all directions in Arizona and New Mexico," the department said. "In New Mexico, traffic is being diverted at I-40 exit 20 westbound onto U.S. 491 to State Road 264 to Ganado, to Highway 191.  In Arizona, traffic is diverted in Chambers onto Highway 191 to Ganado Arizona State Road 264 to U.S. 491."

SEAN HANNITY: Gaffe-prone Biden spins 'tall tales' during Howard Stern sit-down

Fox News host Sean Hannity breaks down the gaffes and "tall tales" from President Biden's week, which included a rare sit-down interview with XM shock jock Howard Stern.

SEAN HANNITY: President Trump spent yet another day in court missing his wife Melania's birthday while Joe Biden was shuffling around the city without a care in the world. 

Last night attending a glitzy fundraiser, mixing up a date that is near and dear to his heart, telling the crowd, "We certainly never forget the dark days of June 6." June 6 — really? Did Biden eventually correct himself? Anyway, apparently he did. 

BIDEN ROASTED FOR AGREEING TO DEBATE TRUMP DURING HOWARD STERN INTERVIEW

Meanwhile, today: incredible news. Biden actually sat down for an interview, but sadly, hard-hitting questions were off the table. Biden joined former shock jock turned, well, he says it himself: proudly-woke Democrat Howard Stern on his radio show, where Biden dusted off a lot of his favorite tall tales.

We call them lies. Now, first, he bragged about his time as a civil rights icon and an arrest that actually never happened.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Here is the truth: As a young senator, Biden worked with his mentor and of course, his friend, a segregationist and palled around with racists and the former Klansman, Robert "KKK" Byrd. Why? 

Together, they wanted to stop the integration of public schools and bussing, and he didn't want kids to go to schools, in his words — they would grow up in a "racial jungle." That's what Joe Biden said. That is the truth. 

Columbia University’s policy-making senate votes for resolution calling to investigate school’s leadership

The Columbia University Senate in New York City voted in favor of a resolution calling for an investigation into the school’s leadership amid anti-Israel protests that have taken place on the campus for over a week.

A source within the school’s leadership confirmed the details of the resolution, saying it was adopted by a vote of 62-14, with three senate members abstaining.

The resolution alleges Columbia President Minouche Shafik violated established protocols when she authorized the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to enter the campus and arrest protesters last week.

Specifically, Shafik is accused of violating the due process rights of students and faculty when she authorized officers to enter the campus.

COLUMBIA STUDENT BANNED FROM CAMPUS AFTER REMARKS ABOUT ‘MURDERING ZIONISTS’

The university senate does not have the authority to remove Shafik, as it is the university’s policy-making body, which is made up of students, faculty and administrators.

"The administration and Senate share the same goal of restoring calm to campus, so everyone can pursue their educational activities," the university said. "We are committed to an ongoing dialogue and appreciate the Senate’s constructive engagement in finding a pathway forward."

Shafik has increasingly faced calls to step down amid the spread of antisemitism on campus as well as ongoing protests against Israel that have disrupted classes. 

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ACCEPTED TO COLUMBIA SAYING 'NO THANK YOU' DUE TO ANTISEMITISM: COLLEGE CONSULTANT

On Monday, Shafik said in a statement she was "deeply saddened" by certain actions of agitators, who have formed an "encampment" on the campus and riled up students and faculty with anti-Jewish slogans and chants. 

The protest encampment sprung up on the campus lawn area at Columbia April 17, the same day Shafik faced bruising criticism at a congressional hearing from Republicans who said she hadn't done enough to fight antisemitism. Two other Ivy League presidents resigned months ago following widely criticized testimony they gave to the same committee. 

U.S. House Republicans from New York have urged Shafik to resign, saying in a letter Monday she had failed to provide a safe learning environment in recent days as "anarchy has engulfed the campus."

Fox News' CB Cotton and Bradford Betz contributed to this report.