Nearly 100 protesters were arrested on Thursday during a demonstration at Trump Tower in Manhattan, demanding the release of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil. Khalil was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for his involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University. Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, the rally saw protesters occupying the atrium of Trump Tower, calling for an end to Khalil’s detention and solidarity with Palestine.
Participants, many wearing red shirts with slogans like “Not in our Name” and “Jews Say Stop Arming Israel,” chanted for Khalil’s release while displaying banners condemning US policies toward Palestine. The New York Police Department (NYPD) arrested 98 demonstrators, with no reported injuries or property damage.
Also Read: Trump Proposes Nuclear Talks to Iran’s Leader Khamenei
Khalil’s detention is part of a broader crackdown on Palestinian activists. His legal team has filed a habeas corpus petition, arguing that the arrest is politically motivated and a form of retaliation for his advocacy. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has also filed a federal lawsuit related to the case, claiming student records were handed over to federal authorities under pressure.
Despite the arrests, activists continue to rally for Khalil’s release, calling for justice and an end to the repression of Palestinian voices in the US.
