On Thursday, nearly 100 demonstrators were arrested at Trump Tower in Manhattan as they gathered to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University.
The demonstration, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, took place inside Trump Tower’s golden atrium, where activists condemned Khalil’s detention and advocated for the rights of Palestinian supporters.
Read more: Wife of Detained Palestinian Columbia Student: ‘I was Naive to Think He was Safe’
Protesters Call for Justice Amid Mass Arrests
The protest, which began around midday, featured participants wearing red shirts with slogans such as “Not in Our Name” and “Jews Say Stop Arming Israel.” They chanted “Free Mahmoud Khalil” and unfurled banners that read “Never Again for Anyone” and “Jews Say Do Not Comply,” opposing US policies targeting Palestinian voices. As the New York Police Department (NYPD) intervened, 98 protesters were taken into custody, with 50 of them restrained with zip ties. Despite the arrests, no injuries or property damage were reported.
One of the organizers livestreamed the event from the balcony of Trump Tower, linking the protest to the Jewish holiday of Purim, stating, “As Jews, we honor Esther, who spoke up against genocide. Today, we stand with that same courage against oppression.”
Khalil’s Arrest Sparks Outrage and Legal Action
Khalil was arrested at his New York residence just days earlier, following the revocation of his green card by the Trump administration. His supporters argue that this is part of a wider effort to suppress Palestinian activists, with concerns that immigration laws are being weaponized to silence critics of Israel and US foreign policy.
His detention follows a series of crackdowns on pro-Palestinian movements, including student protests at Columbia University, where demonstrators barricaded Hamilton Hall, demanding that the university divest from Israel and support a ceasefire in Gaza.
The Trump administration has maintained a firm stance against pro-Palestinian activism. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “If you support terrorism… you are not welcome here.” This statement has fueled concerns over the increasing suppression of Palestinian advocacy in the US.
Legal Battles and Resistance Against Crackdowns
On Thursday, Khalil’s legal team filed an amended habeas corpus petition, arguing that his arrest was politically motivated retaliation for his advocacy of Palestinian rights. The petition directly names President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alleging that their policies unfairly target activists.
Simultaneously, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Khalil and seven other students, accusing Columbia University and Barnard College of unlawfully sharing private student records with the House Education and Workforce Committee under pressure to maintain federal funding. CAIR contends that this action could expose students to threats and harassment.
Growing Support for Palestinian Advocacy
As Khalil remains in ICE custody in Louisiana, activists and human rights organizations continue to push for his release and that of others detained for supporting Palestinian causes. His case reflects a broader crackdown on activists critical of US-Israel relations.
Juliette Kayyem, a senior national security analyst at CNN, noted that the Trump Tower protest signifies increasing resistance to Trump’s policies, particularly regarding his administration’s unwavering support for Israel and suppression of Palestinian advocacy.
Sonya Meyerson-Knox, communications director for Jewish Voice for Peace, reinforced the importance of standing up for justice, stating, “History has shown what happens when authoritarian regimes scapegoat people. We cannot remain silent.”
The demonstration at Trump Tower serves as a powerful reminder that Palestinian voices will not be silenced, despite governmental efforts to suppress activism. With solidarity growing, the movement for justice and Palestinian rights continues to gain momentum.
