Massive Protest in Manhattan
Introduction to the Protest
Several thousand concerned New Yorkers marched through the streets of Lower Manhattan on Monday evening in protest of the detainment of Mahmoud Khalil by ICE, leading to clashes with police.
Photo by Dean Moses
Several thousand concerned New Yorkers marched through the streets of Lower Manhattan on Monday evening to protest ICE’s detainment of Mahmoud Khalil — a leader of Columbia University pro-Palestine demonstrations over the past year.
Background of the Incident
ICE took Khalil into custody at his university apartment on Saturday night despite the fact that he is a legal U.S. permanent resident with a valid green card. Following his apprehension, the White House said it would be working to deport Khalil — a move opponents say is an unlawful violation of civil and First Amendment rights.
The Protest
The March 10 demonstration saw a sea of humanity gather at Foley Square in the shadow of 26 Federal Plaza and several court buildings. The protest ended with clashes with police and numerous arrests.
Brandishing sign after sign bearing the likeness of Khali, they demanded the release of the green card-carrying Colombia student the White House said it wants to deport.Photo by Dean Moses
“Mahmoud is part of the historic movement for Palestine that has erupted in every city in the United States and the world. This is a movement for life,“ one protester said. “Unleashing ICE and the DHS on Mahmoud Khalil, Trump thinks he can strip us of our rights, attack our movement, and weaken our commitment to fight for our people.
The Arrest of Mahmoud Khalil
According to a report by AP, Khalil was inside his university-owned apartment on Saturday night when several ICE agents barged in and took him into custody. Despite over one million people signing a petition urging his release, the White House posted on X pledging that he would be the first of many deportations to come.
Several thousand concerned New Yorkers marched through the streets of Lower Manhattan on Monday evening in protest of the detainment of Mahmoud Khalil by ICE, leading to clashes with police.Photo by Dean Moses
Reaction to the Protest
Participants in the demonstration said it was a grave sign that the Trump administration would be working to stifle dissent and free speech in America.
“They are coming for all of us, and it is us who will protect each other,” Council Member Alexa Avilés said. “When they come into our neighborhoods, you make sure to let them know that they are not welcome here, and you photograph them, and you videotape them, and you let them know they are not welcome in New York City.”
Clashes with Police
After several speeches, the protesters marched, heading west down Canal Street. At one point, they came upon a motorist driving a cyber truck. Police pushed off demonstrators who became enraged at the sight of the Elon Musk creation.
After several speeches, the protesters marched, heading west down Canal Street. At one point they came upon a motorist driving a Tesla Cybertruck. Police pushed off demonstrators who became enraged at the sight of the Elon Musk creation.Photo by Dean Moses After several speeches, the protesters marched, heading west down Canal Street. At one point, they came upon a motorist driving a Tesla Cybertruck. Police pushed off demonstrators who became enraged at the sight of the Elon Musk creation.Photo by Dean Moses Photo by Dean Moses
Incidents During the Protest
Several minutes later on Houston Street, a protester allegedly pushed a police sergeant, resulting in a cop chasing him back into the large crowd, creating a melee in which other protesters jumped on cops in an attempt to stop them making an arrest. In another incident, a protester was charged with assault for attacking a motorist following an argument.
Update on Khalil’s Case
During the protest, news emerged that a judge has ordered Khalil — who had been transferred by ICE to a Louisiana facility — not to be deported pending a March 12 court hearing.
Brandishing sign after sign bearing the likeness of Khalil, they demanded the release of the green card-carrying Columbia University student the White House said it wants to deport.Photo by Dean Moses Brandishing sign after sign bearing the likeness of Khalil, they demanded the release of the green card-carrying Colombia student the White House said it wants to deport. Several thousand concerned New Yorkers marched through the streets of Lower Manhattan on Monday evening in protest of the detainment of Mahmoud Khalil by ICE, leading to clashes with police.Photo by Dean Moses
Conclusion
The protest in Manhattan highlights the deep concerns and divisions within the community regarding the treatment of immigrants and the right to free speech. The detainment of Mahmoud Khalil and the subsequent protests underscore the need for a nuanced and respectful approach to addressing these complex issues.
FAQs
Q: Who is Mahmoud Khalil?
A: Mahmoud Khalil is a Columbia University student and leader of pro-Palestine demonstrations who was detained by ICE despite being a legal U.S. permanent resident.
Q: Why was Khalil detained?
A: Khalil was detained by ICE, and the White House has stated that it intends to deport him, citing unspecified reasons.
Q: What was the reaction to Khalil’s detention?
A: The detention of Khalil sparked a large protest in Manhattan, with several thousand people marching through the streets and demanding his release.
Q: What happened during the protest?
A: The protest ended in clashes with police, with several arrests and incidents of violence reported.
Q: What is the current status of Khalil’s case?
A: A judge has ordered that Khalil not be deported pending a March 12 court hearing.
