On March 13, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered at Trump Tower to support Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student held in ICE custody despite being a legal permanent resident. Protesters condemned Khalil's detention, asserting it violated his First Amendment rights. Amid chants for his release and signs calling for an end to perceived injustices in Gaza, the situation intensified with multiple arrests. Protesters emphasized that Khalil's situation exemplifies broader attacks on immigrant rights and freedom of speech under the Trump administration, resonating with historical contexts of genocide.
"We're here to call for the end of the genocide in Gaza and for Mahmoud Khalil to be freed, to return home," said Tal Frieden, a protester at Trump Tower.
"We're seeing the Trump regime weaponize antisemitism to attack freedom of speech, to attack our immigrant communities and the Palestine Liberation Movement... it could be anyone tomorrow."
"I was always told about their experience in the Holocaust... what we're seeing right now in Gaza is a genocide... to fight any genocide wherever it was happening."
"Despite Khalil's legal residency, the White House confirmed that they would be working to have Khalil deported, which opponents say is a violation of his rights."
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