Protesters still fuming over ICE’s detainment of Columbia University student and pro-Palestine protester Mahmoud Khalil once again took their frustrations to the streets of Manhattan Wednesday.
The crowd roared outside of 40 Wall St., the home of the Trump Building, taking President Trump’s administration to task for ordering Khalil’s apprehension, calling it an attack on free speech. Khalil remains in ICE custody at a Louisiana facility, but a federal judge ruled Wednesday that his case would be relocated to New Jersey.
ICE agents apprehended Khalil — a permanent U.S. citizen with a green card — earlier this month for his role in leading the 2024 pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University. The arrest set off a firestorm of outrage from those sympathetic to Khalil and others concerned that the Trump administration was taking this action to suppress free speech and dissent.
Khalil’s legal team has sought his release on bail, leaving him hopeful that he will be able to return home in time for the birth of his child.
On Wednesday, a federal judge in the Southern District of New York ordered that Khalil’s case be transferred from Louisiana to New Jersey for further consideration. The judge also reaffirmed a previous ruling blocking Khalil’s deportation, pending a further order.
“This is a first step, but we need to continue to demand justice for Mahmoud. His unlawful and unjust detention cannot stand. We will not stop fighting until he is home with me,” Khalil’s wife, Dr. Noor Abdall, said.
Despite the legal win, demonstrators on Wednesday continued to rail against Trump for both the detention of Khalil and recent comments the president made regarding Palestine. Signs “Gaza is not for sale” and “elect a clown, you get a circus” could be seen as the rally turned into a march.
Police threatened the group with arrest for making strides into the roadway and after stomping through the streets of Lower Manhattan for several blocks. Some members of the group attempted to burst into the Oculus transit and shopping hub near the World Trade Center.
Cops swiftly locked the doors, forcing the group to move on.
The marchers then made their way to City Hall Park, where they also criticized Mayor Eric Adams for refusing to denounce Khalil’s detention.
“Mayor Adams directed City Officials not to criticize Trump or his immigration policy. He told his staff not to interfere with ICE,” protest organizer and activist Nerdeen Kiswani said. “This can happen to any of you.”
Meanwhile, Khalil’s legal team said they are hopeful the change in venue to New Jersey will help lead to his release.
“We are ready to fight just as hard for Mr. Khalil in the district of New Jersey,” said attorney Amy Greer. “We will not stop working until Mr. Khalil is home with his wife and his green card is reinstated.”
