Thu Mar 13 22:58:37 UTC 2025: ## Nearly 100 Arrested in Protest at Trump Tower Over Palestinian Activist’s Detention

**New York, NY** – Ninety-eight people were arrested Thursday following a protest at Trump Tower in Manhattan. The demonstration, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, targeted the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University student. Khalil is being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the revocation of his green card.

Protesters, many wearing red shirts and chanting slogans such as “Free Mahmoud Khalil” and “Jews Say Stop Arming Israel,” occupied the Trump Tower lobby. They unfurled banners with messages including “Never Again for Anyone” and “Jews Say Do Not Comply.” One organizer, livestreaming the event, drew a parallel between their actions and the story of Esther in the Purim holiday.

The NYPD reported no injuries or property damage during the protest, which culminated in the arrests. A statement from President Trump on Truth Social celebrated Khalil’s detention, labelling him a “Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student” and vowing further arrests of those engaging in what he termed “pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity.” He stated his administration would apprehend and deport these individuals.

Khalil’s attorney contends that the government’s actions constitute retaliation for his client’s pro-Palestinian activism, claiming his detention violates his right to free speech. The protest underscores growing tensions surrounding Palestinian rights and the actions of US immigration authorities.

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