New York protesters demand release of pro-Palestine activist Mahmoud Khalil

Demonstrators held rallies in front of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) headquarters and in various locations across the city, including Trump Tower and the iconic Times Square.

Protesters emphasized that Khalil, along with other detained activists, was peacefully exercising his constitutional right to free expression. They condemned the arrests and deportation orders as dangerous precedents that threaten freedom of speech and civil liberties in the United States.

Organizers of the demonstration called on local and federal authorities to reverse the deportation order and release Khalil immediately, warning that continued crackdowns on activism could undermine democratic values.

Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident and green card holder, was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers on March 8 at his Columbia University housing in New York City after participating in pro-Palestinian protests.

Students across the US -- citizens and non-citizens alike -- have exercised their right to demonstrate and speak out against Israel's war on Gaza, which has killed more than 50,900 people since Oct. 7, 2023, and left the enclave in ruins.