Protesters Stage Sit-In at Trump Tower Demanding Release of Detained Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil

On March 13, 2025, a significant protest took place at Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York, as demonstrators gathered to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student. Khalil was detained over the weekend by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), prompting a response from supporters and activists. The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, a group advocating for Khalil’s release, and involved a sit-in within the building’s public area.

The protest began around 11:30 a.m. when participants arrived at Trump Tower in disguise. Once inside, they revealed red T-shirts and began chanting “Free Mahmoud,” referencing the detained activist. The demonstration was livestreamed by Jewish Voice for Peace, capturing hundreds of individuals packed into the lobby of the iconic building. The protest aimed to draw attention to Khalil’s situation and call for his immediate release from federal custody.

As the protest unfolded, members of the New York Police Department (NYPD) were present at the scene to manage the situation. Several protesters were taken into custody and escorted out of the building in zip-tie handcuffs. The NYPD’s involvement highlighted the tension surrounding the event, as authorities worked to maintain order while demonstrators voiced their demands.

The sit-in at Trump Tower is part of a broader movement advocating for the rights of activists and immigrants. Jewish Voice for Peace, the organizing group, has been vocal in its support for Khalil and its opposition to his detention by ICE. The protest underscores ongoing debates surrounding immigration enforcement and the treatment of activists within the United States.