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On Thursday, March 13, 2025, a significant protest unfolded at Trump Tower in Manhattan, resulting in nearly 100 arrests. The demonstration, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, aimed to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University alumnus detained by U.S. immigration authorities on Saturday.
Around 300 protesters entered Trump Tower, occupying its ground floor. They wore red shirts emblazoned with messages like "Not in our name" and carried signs reading "Free Mahmoud." Chants such as "Free Mahmoud, free them all" and "Fight Nazis, not students" echoed through the building.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) responded by arresting 98 demonstrators on charges including trespassing, obstructing governmental administration, and resisting arrest. Notably, no members of the Trump family were confirmed to be in the building during the protest.
Khalil's arrest has sparked concerns over free speech and immigration rights. He was detained under a rarely used immigration provision, with his lawyer, Baher Azmy, describing the situation as unprecedented and a form of retaliation against free speech.
Protesters emphasized their stance against historical and contemporary injustices, calling for Khalil's immediate release.
The demonstration at Trump Tower underscores the tensions surrounding Khalil's detention and highlights the broader debates on civil liberties and immigration policies in the United States.