Police arrested over 100 protesters on Thursday after they stormed Trump Tower in New York City. Most demonstrators were progressive Jewish activists. They demanded the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student from Columbia University. US immigration authorities had detained him for his role in pro-Palestinian protests at the university.
Protesters Demand Khalil’s Freedom
The demonstrators chanted, “Free Mahmoud, free them all” and “Fight Nazis, not students.” They also shouted, “We will not comply, Mahmoud, we are on your side” and “Bring Mahmoud home now.” Additionally, more than 250 protesters wore red T-shirts that read, “Jews say stop arming Israel.”
As tensions rose, multiple police officers moved in and began making arrests. The protest took place at Trump Tower, a key symbol of former US President Donald Trump, who remains a strong Republican figure.
Jewish Voice for Peace Condemns Khalil’s Arrest
Jewish Voice for Peace, the group behind the protest, strongly criticized Khalil’s detention. They released a statement saying, “The detention of Mahmoud is further proof that we are on the brink of a full takeover by a repressive, authoritarian regime.”
The statement also stressed the importance of resisting oppression. “As Jews of conscience, we know our history, and we know where this leads. It’s on all of us to stand up now. Many of us are the descendants of people who resisted European fascism, and far too many of our ancestors lost their lives in that struggle.”
Actress Debra Winger Arrested
Notably, actress Debra Winger joined the protest and was among those arrested. While speaking to the Associated Press, she accused the Trump administration of “co-opting antisemitism” while failing to protect Jewish safety.
“I’m just standing up for my rights, and I’m standing up for Mahmoud Khalil, who has been abducted illegally and taken to an undisclosed location. Does that sound like America to you?” she asked.
Who Is Mahmoud Khalil?
Khalil, 30, led the Columbia University protests and encampment after Israel’s military operation in Gaza. He recently completed his master’s degree and was preparing to graduate in May. Moreover, he holds a green card and is married to an American citizen who is currently pregnant.
However, authorities detained him in Louisiana under a rarely used immigration law. This provision allows the US Secretary of State to authorize the detention of anyone considered a threat to US foreign policy.
Holocaust Survivors’ Descendants Join Protest
Meanwhile, Jewish Voice for Peace highlighted that Holocaust survivors’ descendants also participated in the protest.
Sonya E. Meyerson-Knox, the group’s communications director, told NBC News, “My grandmother lost her cousins in the Holocaust. I grew up on these stories. We know what happens when authoritarian regimes begin targeting people, abducting them at night, separating families, and scapegoating.”
She also warned, “It’s one step from here to losing all right to protest and then further horrors happening, as we have seen too well in our history. We’re calling on everyone to speak up today because, otherwise, we won’t be able to tomorrow.”
