On Thursday, a vigorous protest took place at Trump Tower in New York City, where approximately 150 demonstrators rallied for the release of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, currently in ICE custody and facing deportation. The protesters, primarily members of Jewish Voice for Peace, donned red shirts emblazoned with slogans such as "Jews say stop arming Israel" and shouted chants like "Bring Mahmoud home now!"

Khalil, a legal permanent resident originally from Syria, was arrested outside his apartment in New York for allegedly engaging in activities considered supportive of terrorism according to the Trump administration's narrative. The President has warned that Khalil's arrest is the first of many as part of a broader crackdown on perceived anti-American activities by students. Khalil’s supporters argue that his detention is an infringement on free speech.

Amid the protests, actor Debra Winger was spotted among the crowd, expressing her discontent with the administration's policies regarding Jewish safety and commenting on Khalil's arrest as "illegal." She voiced her concern about the implications of such detentions on civil rights within the United States.

As the protest intensified, the police, equipped to manage the crowd, began to arrest demonstrators after multiple warnings to disperse. In total, around ninety-eight protesters were taken into custody.The New York Times reported that the protest was further fueled by Khalil’s affiliations with pro-Palestinian movements, which have surged in visibility and activism across U.S. college campuses.

Khalil, 30, faces a legal challenge against his deportation, especially as he has not been charged with an actual crime. His case has sparked demonstrations not just in New York, but across the country, illuminating growing concerns over immigration policies and their implications for academic freedom. More than a thousand have already participated in various protests surrounding this event, highlighting a wider movement against the Trump administration’s approach to immigration and civil liberties.

Trump Tower continues to be a focal point for many activist movements, a space where public sentiment reflects the growing divide within the nation regarding immigration policies and support for activist causes. For further details, visit Times of India or VOA News.