Jewish Protesters Arrested After Occupying Trump Tower Over Pro-Palestine Activist’s Detention
New York City witnessed a dramatic protest as nearly 100 Jewish protesters were arrested after occupying Trump Tower in Manhattan. The demonstration, organized by the Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), aimed to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a green card-holding pro-Palestine activist whom former President Donald Trump’s administration seeks to deport.
Mass Arrests at Trump Tower
New York Police Department (NYPD) Chief John Chell confirmed that 98 protesters were taken into custody on Thursday after they refused to vacate the iconic Trump Tower. Several hundred others left the building voluntarily after staging their demonstration.
The protesters, many of whom were Jewish, wore T-shirts emblazoned with slogans such as “Not in Our Name” and “Jews Say Stop Arming Israel.” They also held banners reading, “Free Mahmoud, Free Palestine,” emphasizing their opposition to Israel’s policies and their commitment to Palestinian rights.
According to eyewitnesses, the protesters managed to gain entry into the heavily guarded building by arriving in small groups, hiding their protest attire under regular clothing, and gathering in public areas on the lower floors.
Who Is Mahmoud Khalil?
Mahmoud Khalil, the activist at the center of the controversy, has been held in a detention center in Louisiana since his arrest. The Trump administration alleges that Khalil was involved in “activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.” However, his supporters argue that his detention is politically motivated and a violation of free speech rights.
Khalil, a former graduate student at Columbia University, played a key role in last year’s pro-Palestine protests on campus. The demonstrations, which called for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, led to clashes between students and authorities. As a result, Columbia University expelled several students and faced pressure from the Trump administration, which later revoked $400 million in federal funding, citing the university’s failure to curb “anti-Semitic” protests.
Initially, officials claimed that Khalil’s student visa had been revoked. However, further investigation revealed that he holds a U.S. green card and is married to an American citizen, complicating efforts to deport him. Despite this, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) insists that Khalil should be stripped of his permanent residency and removed from the country.
Legal Battle Over Deportation
Khalil’s legal team has filed a case against his detention and potential deportation. A federal judge temporarily blocked his removal but allowed authorities to continue holding him while the case proceeds.
Human rights organizations and free speech advocates have condemned Khalil’s arrest as an attempt to suppress political dissent. His lawyers argue that he has not been charged with any direct links to Hamas or any criminal activity. Instead, they claim that the Trump administration is using executive orders to target pro-Palestine activists unfairly.
Jewish Support for Palestine
The protest at Trump Tower underscores a growing divide within the Jewish community regarding U.S. policy on Israel and Palestine. While some Jewish groups strongly support Israel, organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace advocate for Palestinian rights and oppose U.S. military aid to Israel.
“There is a false narrative that all Jews support Israel’s policies. That is simply not true,” said one of the protesters before being arrested. “We stand against oppression, whether it’s in the U.S. or in Palestine.”
The protest also highlighted the role of ultra-Orthodox Jewish sects that oppose the existence of Israel on theological grounds. Some members of these groups, dressed in their traditional black coats and hats, joined the demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians.
Political Reactions
The Trump administration remains firm in its stance against pro-Palestine activism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed claims that Khalil’s arrest was an attack on free speech. “This is not about free speech. This is about enforcing the law. No one has a right to a green card,” Rubio stated.
Meanwhile, civil rights groups and some Democratic lawmakers have criticized the government’s actions, arguing that Khalil’s arrest sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing political activism in the U.S.
What’s Next?
With Khalil’s legal battle ongoing and protests continuing across the country, the issue remains far from resolved. The next hearing on Khalil’s case is expected in the coming weeks, and activists have vowed to escalate their demonstrations if he is not released.
As tensions over Israel-Palestine relations spill over into U.S. politics, the Trump Tower protest serves as a reminder of the deep divisions surrounding the issue. Whether Khalil will be deported or granted legal relief remains to be seen, but his case has already ignited a fierce national debate on free speech, immigration rights, and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
You Might Also Like:
Dr. Rani, Research Scientist from America, Inspires Students at Whiz Kids Anantnag
NIT Srinagar Secures Spot in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Announces Plans to Make Gulmarg a Winter Sports Hub
