Protesters storm Trump Tower over Mahmoud Khalil’s detention, calling for justice
Pranjal Chandra | Mar 13, 2025, 22:47 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Protests erupted in New York City as demonstrators flooded Trump Tower, demanding the release of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil. Arrested for alleged ties to Hamas, supporters argue it's a political move to silence dissent. Police clamped down on protesters quickly, leading to numerous arrests.
A wave of protests erupted in New York City on Thursday as demonstrators flooded the lobby of Trump Tower, demanding the release of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil. The protest, spearheaded by the organization Jewish Voice for Peace, saw hundreds of activists occupying the space, chanting slogans, and holding signs condemning his detention.
Khalil, a 30-year-old Columbia University graduate and a green card holder, was arrested over the weekend by federal immigration agents. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security claim Khalil was detained for alleged ties to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. However, no evidence has been publicly presented to support this claim, and his supporters argue that the arrest is politically motivated.
The sit-in was livestreamed by Jewish Voice for Peace, capturing the moment when demonstrators filled the luxurious lobby of Trump Tower, holding signs that read, “Fight Nazis, not students,” “Free Mahmoud, free Palestine,” and “You can’t deport a movement.” The chants of “Free Mahmoud” echoed throughout the building as protesters linked arms in an act of civil disobedience.
The police presence was swift and heavy. Officers, many equipped with riot gear, began arresting demonstrators within the hour. Witnesses saw dozens of protesters being zip-tied and escorted out of the building into police vehicles and city buses. As they were led away, the crowd outside cheered and continued their chants, refusing to be silenced.
The protest sparked mixed reactions among New Yorkers and passersby along 5th Avenue. While many onlookers joined in the chants, others expressed frustration at the disruption.
Nina Levene, a 60-year-old New Yorker and daughter of a Holocaust survivor, stood across the street in disapproval. “When we take people into this country, they have to promise that they’re not against our government and democracy,” she said. “Khalil is breaking every rule, so I’m all for his detention.”
However, supporters argue that Khalil’s detention represents a dangerous overreach by the government. “This is about silencing dissent,” said David Klein, a protester wearing a red shirt that read “Not in our name.” “This is an attack on free speech, on student activism, and on Palestinian rights.”
Khalil was detained Saturday in what authorities described as a coordinated effort between ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and the State Department. A DHS spokesperson stated that his detention was in line with executive orders prohibiting anti-Semitism, which they argue include actions aligned with Hamas. However, neither the Trump administration nor ICE has provided specific evidence linking Khalil to the group.
His attorney, Amy Greer, has condemned the arrest, stating that Khalil was not given due process and was falsely told that his student visa had been revoked—despite being a legal resident. “He is being treated as a criminal for simply engaging in student activism and advocating for Palestinian rights,” she said.
Khalil is currently being held in an immigration detention facility in Louisiana, where advocates say he is facing harsh conditions and an uncertain future.
Jewish Voice for Peace, a national activist group that opposes U.S. support for Israel’s military actions, has been at the forefront of demanding Khalil’s release. In a statement, the organization declared, “The detention of Mahmoud is further proof that we are on the brink of a full takeover by a repressive, authoritarian regime.”
During the protest, one of the organizers spoke into the camera while livestreaming: “Over 200 Jews and allies have taken over Trump Tower today. We’re here to say—when you come for one of us, you face us all.”
The arrest of Khalil is the latest in a series of federal actions targeting pro-Palestinian activists and student organizers. Many fear that this marks an escalation in government crackdowns on political dissent, particularly against those advocating for Palestinian rights.
As the sun set over New York City, the remaining protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations, promising more direct action in the coming days. “This is just the beginning,” said protester Sarah Levin. “We won’t stop until Mahmoud is free.”
With activists rallying in multiple cities and legal experts challenging the basis of Khalil’s detention, the fight for his release is far from over. Whether the Trump administration will respond to mounting pressure remains to be seen.
Khalil, a 30-year-old Columbia University graduate and a green card holder, was arrested over the weekend by federal immigration agents. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security claim Khalil was detained for alleged ties to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. However, no evidence has been publicly presented to support this claim, and his supporters argue that the arrest is politically motivated.
A defiant protest inside Trump Tower
The police presence was swift and heavy. Officers, many equipped with riot gear, began arresting demonstrators within the hour. Witnesses saw dozens of protesters being zip-tied and escorted out of the building into police vehicles and city buses. As they were led away, the crowd outside cheered and continued their chants, refusing to be silenced.
Polarizing reactions on the streets of NYC
Nina Levene, a 60-year-old New Yorker and daughter of a Holocaust survivor, stood across the street in disapproval. “When we take people into this country, they have to promise that they’re not against our government and democracy,” she said. “Khalil is breaking every rule, so I’m all for his detention.”
However, supporters argue that Khalil’s detention represents a dangerous overreach by the government. “This is about silencing dissent,” said David Klein, a protester wearing a red shirt that read “Not in our name.” “This is an attack on free speech, on student activism, and on Palestinian rights.”
The arrest and government justification
His attorney, Amy Greer, has condemned the arrest, stating that Khalil was not given due process and was falsely told that his student visa had been revoked—despite being a legal resident. “He is being treated as a criminal for simply engaging in student activism and advocating for Palestinian rights,” she said.
Khalil is currently being held in an immigration detention facility in Louisiana, where advocates say he is facing harsh conditions and an uncertain future.
Jewish voice for peace condemns the detention
During the protest, one of the organizers spoke into the camera while livestreaming: “Over 200 Jews and allies have taken over Trump Tower today. We’re here to say—when you come for one of us, you face us all.”
A growing movement against crackdowns on activism
As the sun set over New York City, the remaining protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations, promising more direct action in the coming days. “This is just the beginning,” said protester Sarah Levin. “We won’t stop until Mahmoud is free.”
With activists rallying in multiple cities and legal experts challenging the basis of Khalil’s detention, the fight for his release is far from over. Whether the Trump administration will respond to mounting pressure remains to be seen.