In the protest at Trump Tower in Manhattan on Thursday, a total of 98 individuals were arrested while advocating for the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University student detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after his green card was revoked.
The demonstration, organized by the group Jewish Voice for Peace, started around noon, with protesters wearing shirts that carried messages advocating for their cause. The New York Police Department reported that 98 individuals were arrested, with many being led away in zip ties, but there were no injuries or property damage noted.
During the protest, chants of "Free Mahmoud Khalil" resonated in the tower's atrium as participants displayed banners expressing solidarity and opposition to perceived oppression. As police began to make arrests, some demonstrators sat in protest, chanting "Free Palestine."
Khalil's detention has drawn criticism from various political figures and civil rights advocates, who allege that his arrest is a response to his activism. His lawyer contends that the government is retaliating against him for his vocal support of Palestinians, claiming that this detention violates his rights. Currently held in Louisiana, Khalil's situation highlights broader concerns regarding the treatment of foreign students involved in political activism in the United States. His wife, who is pregnant, has also appealed for public support against what she describes as an unjust detention, emphasizing the personal implications of government policies on activism and immigration.