NYPD arrests a dozen demonstrators protesting Columbia graduate's detainment

The New York Police Department (NYPD) on Tuesday arrested approximately a dozen protesters, who were calling for the release of Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil.

Khalil, a green card holder who was arrested Saturday by federal immigration authorities, has been accused of helping orchestrate pro-Hamas demonstrations on campus. He is currently being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a facility in Louisiana.

The demonstrators come as the Trump administration seeks to revoke his legal status and deport him for his involvement last year in anti-Israel protests on campus. One judge has halted his deportation so far.

The arrests occurred after NYPD issued multiple warnings to protesters who were blocking a road in downtown Manhattan, according to Fox News. NYPD said people who did not clear the road would be charged with disorderly conduct.

"Move cops, get out the way, we know you’re Israeli-trained," some protesters shouted. "Oink, oink, piggy, piggy. We’re gonna make your lives s*****."

Only one person was charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing governmental administration charges. The other 11 were issued summonses, the New York Post reported.

New York police also clashed with protesters outside of New York City Mayor Eric Adams' mansion, but it is not clear if any of them were arrested. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.