Demonstrators from a Jewish group gathered at Trump Tower to protest the immigration arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist involved in anti-Israel protests at Columbia University. Clad in red shirts reading “Jews say stop arming Israel,” the Jewish Voice for Peace protesters demanded Khalil’s release. Despite warnings, 98 protesters were arrested for various charges. Khalil, a U.S. resident married to an American citizen, faces deportation without any criminal charges.

President Trump hinted at more arrests of students engaged in activities he deemed anti-American, sparking criticism. Actor Debra Winger and Yiddish student Sophie Edelhart joined the protest, criticizing the Trump administration for alleged antisemitism. The demonstration highlighted the symbolic significance of Trump Tower, a focal point for both support and opposition to the president.

The incident raised concerns about free speech, prompting Khalil’s supporters to stage protests nationwide. Khalil and students filed a lawsuit to prevent a Congressional committee from accessing disciplinary records related to campus protests, citing First Amendment concerns. The lawsuit challenges the committee’s authority to demand records that could affect federal funding for schools.

Khalil, a Columbia University graduate with Palestinian heritage, faces deportation amid growing backlash against his arrest. The situation underscores broader debates on free speech, activism, and government overreach. The protest at Trump Tower signifies the ongoing tensions between political activism and authority, sparking conversations about civil liberties and dissent.