The streets of Manhattan witnessed a dramatic and politically charged event as nearly 100 protesters were arrested after storming Trump Tower.
Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, the protest was a bold demonstration against the detention of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This incident adds fuel to the growing tension surrounding pro-Palestinian activism in the United States, particularly within university spaces and the political response to such movements.
The Protest and Its Impact
The demonstration began around noon as a crowd gathered in the iconic golden atrium of Trump Tower. Protesters, dressed in red shirts with messages such as “Not in our Name” and “Jews Say Stop Arming Israel,” chanted slogans like “Free Mahmoud Khalil” and “the whole world is watching.” Banners were unfurled, bearing bold statements such as “Never Again for Anyone” and “Come For One, Face Us All.”
As the protest intensified, the New York Police Department (NYPD) moved in to control the situation. According to the authorities, 98 individuals were arrested, with 50 demonstrators being led out of the lobby in zip ties.
Despite the high number of arrests, officials confirmed that no injuries or property damage occurred. The protest was livestreamed by one of the organizers from the balcony of Trump Tower, ensuring that the event reached a wider audience online.
This demonstration was not only a call for Khalil’s release but also a broader statement against what protesters described as the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism.
If you have taken over Trump Tower in NYC to protest in support of Hamas, it’s a pretty good indicator that President Trump has broken your brain.
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) March 13, 2025
Good luck with that. pic.twitter.com/hFRJdf0Ukh
The timing of the protest, occurring just before the Jewish holiday of Purim, was symbolic for many demonstrators who likened their actions to the courage of Queen Esther speaking out against oppression.
Mahmoud Khalil’s Arrest and the Legal Battle
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian refugee from Syria and a graduate student at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, was detained by ICE following the revocation of his green card.
His arrest is perceived by his supporters as a direct retaliation for his activism, particularly his role in the Columbia University protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The Columbia protests, which took place in April 2024, were led by a student coalition demanding the university sever financial ties with Israel and take a clear stance on the Gaza conflict.
These protests culminated in a sit-in at Hamilton Hall, leading to more than 110 arrests after police intervened at the university’s request. Columbia University has since expelled and suspended several students involved in the barricade, though specific numbers remain undisclosed due to privacy policies.
Khalil’s detention marks a significant shift in how the Trump administration is handling pro-Palestinian activism among non-citizens. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump justified Khalil’s removal by stating, “If you support terrorism … your presence is contrary to our national and foreign policy interests, and you are not welcome here.”
This case could set a precedent for future actions against foreign students involved in political protests. Legal experts and advocacy groups argue that Khalil’s detention is an example of immigration law being weaponized against activists.
His attorneys have filed an amended habeas corpus petition naming President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as respondents, emphasizing that Khalil’s arrest is a violation of his right to free speech.
Adding another layer to the controversy, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has filed a federal lawsuit against Columbia University and Barnard College on behalf of Khalil and seven other students.
The lawsuit alleges that the universities shared private student records with the House Education and Workforce Committee under the threat of losing federal funding. If proven true, this act could expose students to potential harassment and threats, intensifying concerns over academic freedom and privacy violations.
The Broader Implications of the Protest
The Trump administration’s stance on pro-Palestinian activism has been a topic of heated debate, particularly as student-led demonstrations continue across the country. The administration has signaled a more aggressive approach, suggesting that non-citizens participating in protests that challenge U.S. foreign policy could face legal consequences.
The protest at Trump Tower is reminiscent of other recent demonstrations, including those targeting Elon Musk’s Tesla dealerships. This wave of activism reflects a broader movement that combines human rights advocacy with economic and political pressure. Analysts suggest that these protests highlight the growing intersection between business interests, government policy, and free speech rights.
For many Jewish activists within the Jewish Voice for Peace movement, standing in solidarity with Palestinian activists like Khalil is a moral obligation rooted in historical lessons.
Sonya Meyerson-Knox, the group’s communications director, explained that their decision to protest was driven by a deep understanding of history and a commitment to justice. “We know our history, and we are here to say ‘never again,’” she stated.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining the outcome of Khalil’s case and the broader implications for pro-Palestinian activism in the U.S. His attorneys are seeking bail while his habeas corpus petition is under review, and his wife, Noor Abdalla, who is a U.S. citizen and eight months pregnant, has been advocating for his release.
As the legal and political battle continues, protests like the one at Trump Tower serve as a reminder of the power of activism in shaping public discourse. The arrests of nearly 100 demonstrators have sparked further conversations about civil liberties, immigration policies, and the limits of political expression under the current administration.
Whether this event will lead to tangible policy changes remains to be seen, but it has undeniably amplified the voices of those advocating for Khalil’s release and broader justice for Palestinian activists.
The evolving situation underscores the volatility of political activism in the U.S., particularly concerning foreign students and their rights. With legal battles intensifying and public demonstrations growing in frequency, the intersection of activism, immigration law, and government policy will likely remain a contentious issue in the months to come.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏