Over 80 arrested in NYC anti-ICE protest as thousands take to the street
Over 80 people were arrested during a massive anti-ICE protest in Lower Manhattan that turned chaotic with demonstrators flooding the streets, clashing with police, and throwing objects at officers. The protest, organized to oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportations, drew thousands of angry New Yorkers near Foley Square in the shadow of City Hall.
As the sun set, the situation escalated, leading to over 80 demonstrators being taken into custody by the NYPD at various locations across downtown. Many of those arrested were charged with disorderly conduct, and the number of arrests is expected to increase as the department finalizes its tally.
The protest, which started peacefully during the daylight hours, took a violent turn as the night progressed. Large groups of protesters, some wearing keffiyehs associated with pro-Palestine movements, clashed with the NYPD. Demonstrators threw water bottles and other objects at police officers, chanted slogans, and engaged in confrontations that resulted in several arrests and incidents of pepper spray being used.
Videos circulating online captured some protesters attempting to breach police barricades to stop an ICE van from leaving a Federal Plaza building. The confrontations between protesters and law enforcement officers grew more intense as the night went on, with aggressive behavior and insults being hurled at officers.
Earlier in the day, thousands of protesters gathered in Foley Square carrying placards with messages like “Abolish ICE” and “ICE out of New York!” Notable speakers at the protest included Brooklyn Councilwoman Shahana Hanif and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who criticized Mayor Eric Adams for his handling of the situation.
Mayor Adams, in a press conference alongside NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, condemned the escalating protests and warned New Yorkers against engaging in violent demonstrations like those seen in Los Angeles. He praised the NYPD for their handling of the situation and assured the public that law enforcement was prepared to address any issues that may arise.
The protest in Lower Manhattan was part of a series of similar demonstrations taking place in cities across the country, including San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago. The ongoing protests come on the heels of violent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles County, which continued for five consecutive nights.
The well-attended protest in Lower Manhattan highlighted the deep divisions in society over immigration policies, with tensions running high between demonstrators and law enforcement. Additional reporting by Joe Marino contributed to the coverage of the event.
