Police arrested at least 100 people after protesters stormed the lobby of Trump Tower in New York City on Thursday. Most demonstrators were progressive Jewish activists demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian Columbia University student. US immigration authorities detained Khalil for his role in pro-Palestinian protests at the university.

The protesters chanted slogans like “Free Mahmoud, free them all” and “Fight Nazis, not students.” They also shouted, “We will not comply, Mahmoud, we are on your side” and “Bring Mahmoud home now.” More than 250 participants wore red T-shirts with the message, “Jews say stop arming Israel.” By the afternoon, police officers began making arrests.

Trump Tower, known as US President Donald Trump’s signature building on Fifth Avenue, served as the demonstration site. The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace. The group describes itself as “the largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organization in the world.” Previously, they had staged protests at New York landmarks, including Grand Central Station.

Group Condemns Khalil’s Arrest

Jewish Voice for Peace strongly criticized Khalil’s detention. In a statement, the group said, “The detention of Mahmoud is further proof that we are on the brink of a full takeover by a repressive, authoritarian regime.”

They continued, “As Jews of conscience, we know our history, and we know where this leads. It’s on all of us to stand up now. Many of us are the descendants of people who resisted European fascism, and far too many of our ancestors lost their lives in that struggle. We call on the strength of our ancestors, and we call on our tradition, which teaches us we must never stand idly by.”

Actress Debra Winger Among the Arrested

Surprisingly, actress Debra Winger joined the protest and was also arrested. While speaking to the Associated Press, she criticized the Trump administration. She stated that the government had “no interest in Jewish safety” and was “co-opting antisemitism.” She added, “I’m just standing up for my rights, and I’m standing up for Mahmoud Khalil, who has been abducted illegally and taken to an undisclosed location. Does that sound like America to you?”

Who is Mahmoud Khalil?

Khalil, a 30-year-old Palestinian student, led the protests and encampment at Columbia University. His activism began soon after Israel’s military operation in Gaza. He had completed his master’s degree and was set to graduate in May. Moreover, he is a green card holder, married to an American citizen, and expecting a child.

Currently, he remains in custody in Louisiana. Authorities have not charged him but are holding him under a rarely used immigration law. This provision allows the US Secretary of State to detain individuals deemed a threat to US foreign policy.

Holocaust Survivors’ Descendants Join the Protest

Jewish Voice for Peace highlighted that some protesters were descendants of Holocaust survivors. Sonya E. Meyerson-Knox, the group’s communications director, told NBC News, “My grandmother lost her cousins in the Holocaust. I grew up on these stories. We know what happens when authoritarian regimes begin targeting people, abducting them at night, separating their families, and scapegoating.”

She added, “It’s one step from here to losing all right to protest. Then, further horrors follow, as history has shown. We’re calling on everyone to speak up today because, otherwise, we won’t be able to tomorrow.”