Nearly 100 Arrested at Trump Tower Sit-In Over Pro-Palestinian Activist’s Detention
Trump Tower Sit-In Turns Chaotic as NYPD Cracks Down on Protesters
BNH NETWORK
Fact File
- Event: Pro-Palestinian sit-in at Trump Tower
- Arrests: 98 individuals
- Organizer: Jewish Voice for Peace
- Detained Activist: Mahmoud Khalil
- Legal Status: Awaiting court hearing; deportation temporarily blocked
- Federal Action: $400M cut from Columbia University funding
- Key Protest Locations: Trump Tower, Washington Square Park, Columbia University
New York - Nearly 100 protesters were arrested after staging a sit-in at Trump Tower in New York City, demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian student activist detained by U.S. immigration authorities.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), approximately 150 individuals entered Trump Tower, removed their outer layers to reveal red T-shirts with pro-Palestinian slogans, and began chanting “Free Palestine.” The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, a progressive anti-Zionist Jewish group known for similar demonstrations at Grand Central Station.
Swift Police Response & Arrests
John Chell, NYPD Chief of Department, confirmed that law enforcement acted within 10 minutes of the protest’s start. Within 40 to 50 minutes, officers began making arrests. A total of 98 protesters were arrested on charges of trespassing and obstructing governmental administration.
Who Is Mahmoud Khalil?
Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and U.S. green card holder, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Saturday at his university-owned apartment. He was a key organizer of the April 2024 student protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza, which ignited similar demonstrations nationwide.
His arrest aligns with the Trump administration’s crackdown on what it perceives as rising anti-Semitism on college campuses. Trump vowed to revoke Khalil’s green card and deport him. In a Truth Social post, he stated:
“If you support terrorism ... your presence is contrary to our national and foreign policy interests, and you are not welcome here.”
Legal Battle & University Funding Cuts
A New York federal judge, Jesse Furman, has temporarily blocked Khalil’s deportation, requiring court proceedings before any action. Meanwhile, Khalil has sued Columbia University and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce to prevent them from releasing student disciplinary records, arguing it could jeopardize student rights.
In a further escalation, the Trump administration canceled $400 million in federal funding for Columbia University last Friday, citing anti-Semitic concerns. Several other universities are now under federal review.
Growing Protests Across NYC
Khalil’s detention has ignited widespread demonstrations across New York City. On Monday, protesters marched from Washington Square Park to City Hall, leading to multiple arrests. Rallies also erupted at Columbia University’s Upper West Campus.
The case has become a flashpoint for ongoing debates about free speech, anti-Semitism, and immigration policies under Trump’s administration.
