A major protest took place Thursday afternoon inside Trump Tower in New York City. Nearly 100 people were arrested while demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and student at Columbia University. He had been detained by U.S. immigration authorities. The protest was organized by the group Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), which advocates for Palestinian rights and speaks out against U.S. policies toward Israel.
Protestors Occupy the Lobby of Trump Tower
The protest started in the lobby of Trump Tower, a well-known building in New York. Over 250 people took part. The demonstrators shouted slogans like “Free Mahmoud, free them all” and “Fight Nazis, not students.” Many wore red shirts that said “Jews say stop arming Israel.” As the protest continued, police started arresting people for trespassing, blocking entrances, and resisting orders.
Trump Tower, which is also the former president’s residence in New York, has seen protests by JVP in the past. The group is one of the largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organizations in the world. They have held protests at major landmarks in New York, such as Grand Central Station. This protest was one of their most visible actions yet.
JVP Condemns Khalil’s Arrest
JVP leaders spoke out strongly against Khalil’s arrest. They argued that it showed the U.S. government is moving toward an authoritarian regime. In their statement, they said that many of their members are descendants of those who fought against fascism in Europe. “We refuse to stand idly by,” they said. The group also made it clear that they were standing up for justice, not only for Khalil, but for all people who fight for their rights.
Debra Winger Supports the Protest
The protest also received support from actress Debra Winger. She joined the demonstration and spoke out against the Trump administration. “I’m standing up for my rights and for Mahmoud Khalil,” she told the Associated Press. “He was taken illegally. Does that sound like America to you?” Winger’s comments echoed the concerns of many who feel that Khalil’s arrest was wrong and politically motivated.
Khalil’s Arrest Sparks Outrage
Khalil’s arrest has sparked outrage across the country. Khalil, 30, helped organize pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. This was after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Despite having legal residency in the U.S. and being married to an American citizen, Khalil was arrested last Saturday in New York. He was then sent to a detention center in Louisiana.
Khalil’s lawyer, Baher Azmy, has called the arrest “absolutely unprecedented.” Azmy argues that the arrest was retaliation for Khalil’s public support of Palestinian rights. He also pointed out that Khalil has not been accused of committing any crime. This raises serious questions about the government’s motives and its use of power to silence political speech.
The Trump Administration’s Position
The Trump administration has openly supported Khalil’s detention. Former President Trump said that Khalil’s arrest was “the first of many to come.” He vowed to deport students involved in what he called “pro-terrorist, antisemitic, anti-American activities.” Trump’s stance has alarmed many who fear that it could lead to more arrests of people with unpopular views.
Khalil’s Wife Speaks Out
Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, also spoke publicly about the situation. She is eight months pregnant and deeply worried about her husband. She told Reuters that Khalil had warned her a week before his arrest that it might happen. “I didn’t take him seriously. Clearly, I was naive,” she said. She described how hard it was for her to imagine her husband meeting their first child behind bars. “Mahmoud is deeply connected to his people’s struggles,” she said. “He refuses to stay silent.”
Jewish Activists Warn of Dangerous Precedent
Jewish Voice for Peace has emphasized the historical importance of Khalil’s case. They argue that it could set a dangerous precedent for future government actions against people who speak out. Sonya E. Meyerson-Knox, a spokesperson for JVP, posted a message on social media saying, “We know what happens when governments strip away rights and scapegoat communities. We will not be silent.” Holocaust survivors’ descendants, including Meyerson-Knox, joined the protest. Many of them have personal stories about the dangers of government oppression.
“My grandmother lost her cousins in the Holocaust,” Meyerson-Knox said. “I grew up hearing these stories. We know that when governments start taking people away in the night and separating families, it’s a warning sign. If we don’t act now, it will be too late.”
Ongoing Protests and Calls for Khalil’s Release
Despite the arrests, JVP has vowed to continue its protests until Khalil is released. The group sees his detention as part of a larger effort to silence dissent. They warn that the U.S. government’s actions could mark a shift toward more aggressive measures against those who speak out on behalf of oppressed groups.
The case of Mahmoud Khalil has drawn attention not just for its legal implications, but also for its potential impact on free speech and activism in the U.S. As the protests continue, many are watching closely to see what happens next. Activists are demanding that Khalil be freed and that the government respect the rights of all people to speak out for justice.