Photo: Stephanie Keith / Getty Images News / Getty Images
On Saturday (November 28), a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in New York City's Chinatown led to the arrest of 15 individuals. The demonstration took place at a parking garage on Centre and Howard streets, where federal agents were reportedly gathering for a raid. Protesters blocked streets and vehicles, chanting "ICE out of New York," according to ABC News.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) stated that officers responded to a "disorderly group blocking the street" and made arrests after the protesters refused to disperse. Some protesters reportedly threw debris, escalating the situation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expressed gratitude to the NYPD for addressing what they described as "violent agitators."
The protest followed recent ICE raids in the area, including one on Canal Street last month, which resulted in the arrest of at least nine individuals. The New York Immigration Coalition condemned the arrests, questioning the NYPD's role in protecting city residents.
ABC7NY reported that NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch received an apology from the special agent in charge of the New York Homeland Security Field Office for the incident. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani criticized the raids as "cruel and inhumane," urging for a reevaluation of public safety measures.
The protest highlighted the challenges federal authorities face when conducting raids in densely populated areas like New York City, where public opposition is strong. The New York Times noted that the protest effectively foiled the planned ICE raid, underscoring the tension between federal operations and local sentiment.
Photo Credit: Getty Images