Protests Erupt Over Detention of Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil

On March 13, 2025, the lobby of Trump Tower in New York City became the focal point of a significant protest as members of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) gathered to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University student detained by U.S. immigration authorities. The demonstrators, numbering between 100 to 200, wore red T-shirts emblazoned with "Jews Say Stop Arming Israel" and chanted slogans such as "free Mahmoud, free them all" and "fight Nazis, not students."

Khalil, a legal U.S. resident married to an American citizen, was arrested under a seldom-invoked immigration provision labeling him a threat to U.S. foreign policy, despite facing no formal charges. His attorney contends that the arrest is unprecedented and retaliatory, infringing upon his constitutional rights to free speech.

The protest at Trump Tower was swiftly met with a response from the New York Police Department (NYPD), resulting in multiple arrests around 12:30 p.m., with the area cleared by 1 p.m.

 Among the demonstrators was actress Debra Winger, highlighting the breadth of support for Khalil and the broader movement against what is perceived as an infringement on free speech.

Khalil's wife, Noor Abdalla, who is eight months pregnant, expressed profound concern over the likelihood of her husband meeting their child for the first time behind a glass screen. She has called for his immediate release, emphasizing the emotional toll his detention has taken on their family.

This incident has sparked a nationwide conversation about the balance between national security and individual rights, particularly concerning activism and free speech. Critics argue that Khalil's arrest sets a concerning precedent for the treatment of activists and the potential suppression of dissenting voices.

As Khalil remains detained in Louisiana, his supporters continue to advocate for his release, planning additional demonstrations and legal actions to challenge what they view as an unjust detention. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for the future of activism and free speech in the United States.