Demonstrators gathered in significant numbers at Trump Tower in New York City, expressing solidarity with Mahmoud Khalil, a permanent resident of the United States and a prominent leader of student protests advocating for Palestinian rights. The protest on Thursday marks a continuation of recent demonstrations following Khalil’s arrest by U.S. immigration authorities on Saturday evening.
Khalil, a Palestinian national married to a U.S. citizen, faces deportation, a move characterized by his supporters and legal team as part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to conflate expressions of dissent regarding the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza with support for terrorism. Civil liberties groups have condemned Khalil’s detention, labeling him a political prisoner and evoking concerns over the implications for free speech in the country.
The protest aimed to send a clear message to President Trump’s administration, taking place in one of the high-profile symbols of his real estate empire. Organizers from Jewish Voice for Peace, the group spearheading the demonstration, emphasized their commitment to resisting what they describe as a regime that seeks to marginalize Palestinian voices and suppress calls for justice.
Among the demonstrators was actress Deborah Winger, who articulated her support for Khalil, highlighting her conviction that his arrest represents an infringement upon civil rights. Winger’s stance resonated with many in attendance who donned red shirts reading “Not in our name” as they advanced through the lobby of Trump Tower, bearing witness to their cause.
The scene escalated as the New York police intervened, leading to the arrest of 98 protesters who made their voices heard amid dramatic moments of tension. The demonstrators’ approach initially went unnoticed as they blended in with regular tourists, only to reveal their expressive T-shirts once inside.
While a federal judge has temporarily halted Khalil’s deportation pending a legal challenge, he continues to be held in a detention facility in Louisiana. His legal team has requested a transfer to New York to facilitate his presence at hearings and allow him to reunite with his wife, who is in her third trimester of pregnancy.
Khalil’s attorney has argued that his client’s detention arises solely from his advocacy for Palestinian rights, a position the Trump administration has articulated as a justification for removal under laws concerning individuals perceived as adversarial to U.S. foreign policy. Critics maintain that no substantial evidence supports allegations against Khalil, adding to concerns about the administration’s disregard for due process.
Additionally, a recent court proceeding unveiled that Khalil, along with several other Columbia University students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, has filed a petition against the university regarding compliance with a congressional order for disciplinary records. The students argue that such demands infringe upon their rights to free speech and privacy.
This ongoing situation raises critical dialogues about the intersection of activism, civil liberties, and immigration policies in the current U.S. landscape, underscoring a vibrant moment of resistance among those advocating for Palestinian rights.
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