New York City saw a significant protest on Thursday as hundreds of demonstrators, primarily members of Jewish Voice for Peace, occupied Trump Tower's lobby to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University student.

Participants donned bright red shirts stating "Jews say stop arming Israel" and chanted slogans such as "Fight Nazis, not students" and "Bring Mahmoud home now!" The protest underscored growing frustration over the Trump administration's declared intention to deport Khalil following his recent arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (ICE) agents.

Khalil, who is a legal permanent resident and married to an American citizen, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about immigration policy and free speech in the U.S. His recent detainment has ignited demonstrations across the nation, as protesters argue it represents an infringement on the First Amendment rights of individuals advocating for Palestinian rights.

Details emerged revealing that Khalil, 30, was arrested outside his apartment in New York City and subsequently transferred to an immigration detention facility in Louisiana. Critics of the government's actions assert that Khalil's detention is politically motivated, claiming it is part of a broader effort to silence dissent against U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine. The Trump administration has characterized Khalil's activism as aligning with "terrorist activities" without presenting evidence.

During the protest, demonstrators were warned by police to vacate the premises or face arrest. Consequently, approximately 98 individuals were reportedly arrested on various charges including obstruction and trespassing. Protesters have highlighted that this mass mobilization is a form of resistance against what they perceive as a crackdown on immigrant rights and free speech.

As the protest unfolded, actress Debra Winger, among other notable figures, was present to lend her voice, criticizing the Trump administration's stance towards dissenting voices within the immigrant community. She stated, "Does that sound like America to you?" emphasizing the unconstitutional nature of such detentions.

In a related development, Khalil's legal team has filed a lawsuit arguing that the policy of deporting individuals based on their participation in protests violates the First Amendment. This case is set to challenge the legal boundaries regarding free speech and immigration in the United States, with implications for future activist movements.

The deteriorating situation surrounding Khalil's case reflects larger societal tensions regarding immigration, race, and freedom of expression in the U.S. As protests continue, the eyes of many will be focused on the outcomes, both for Khalil and the broader community advocating for Palestinian rights.

For more details, visit Al Jazeera.