Nearly 100 arrested in pro-Palestinian protests inside Trump Tower

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters stormed Trump Tower in New York City.

The participants are demanding the release of the pro-Hamas militant Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested last Saturday by ICE after the State Department terminated his student visa. In addition, the DHS is accusing the Palestinian student of directing "activities aligned to Hamas."

Radical anti-Israeli group Jewish Voice for Peace organized Thursday's demonstration. During the protest, these pro-Hamas militants wore red shirts that read "Jews stop arming Israel."

Jewish Voice for Peace is the largest and most influential anti-Zionist group in the United States. One of the fundamental goals of this group is to siphon off any public support it may have for the State of Israel.

This radical organization blamed Israel for the terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.

Nearly 100 demonstrators arrested

According to police, at least 98 people were arrested for trespassing, among other offenses. Towards the afternoon, the situation at Trump Tower was de-escalated.

The demonstrators, convened by Jewish Voice for Peace, protested last weekend's arrest of a prominent figure in the pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, which sparked outrage among free speech advocates.

"Freedom for Mahmoud, freedom for Palestine," read one banner, referring to the detention and pending deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, who holds a U.S. permanent resident green card.

The young man served as spokesman for a Columbia University student movement against Israel's war in Gaza.

Trump, universities and foreigners

For several days now, President Trump has been targeting universities, promising retaliatory budget measures for institutions that fail to combat antisemitism.

His administration has already threatened to cut $400 million in grants and contracts to Columbia.

The university announced Thursday that it has already issued sanctions, including "multi-year suspensions, temporary degree revocations and expulsions" against pro-Palestinian students who participated in the occupation of the university premises in the northern spring of 2024.

The Trump administration also threatens to deport foreigners who participate in the protests. It promised in that regard that the proceedings against Khalil will be followed by "many others."