Anti-ICE Protesters Vow Continued Resistance Following Violent Clash with NYPD in Lower Manhattan
NEW YORK, NY – Demonstrators in Lower Manhattan clashed with police Saturday during protests against federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, resulting in at least 18 arrests, according to sources. Advocates condemned the ongoing raids Sunday, vowing to continue “non-violent community resistance” each time federal officers enter New York communities.
The protests erupted as ICE conducted raids throughout the city.New york’s status as a sanctuary city, with a policy of limited cooperation with ICE on civil arrests and deportations, creates friction with federal immigration enforcement efforts, particularly those initiated under the Trump administration.
Saturday’s demonstration saw protesters mobilizing to defend neighbors and prevent family separations, according to Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of a coalition of advocacy groups. “Our neighbors, New Yorkers of every stripe, mobilized, took time out of their day to come here and defend their neighbors…and stood here for hours,” Awawdeh told reporters Sunday.
Outgoing City Comptroller Brad Lander criticized the NYPD’s response, alleging the department “facilitated ICE deportations.” He urged officers to remember who they are sworn to protect,stating,”Yesterday,the people who were protecting and serving New Yorkers were the protesters who showed up.”
However, law enforcement officials expressed frustration with the situation. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch reportedly “gave the feds a tongue-lashing” for failing to provide advance notice of the ICE raids. Sources say officers were pelted with debris when attempting to protect ICE agents during the ensuing melee.
Despite the tensions, Tisch has agreed to remain NYPD Commissioner under incoming mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a frequent critic of federal immigration policies.
Hannah Stouts, an organizer for Hands Off NYC, emphasized the group’s commitment to ongoing resistance. “Every time federal officers come into our communities with the intention of conducting lawless raids, of terrorizing our communities, they will be met with non-violent community resistance,” she stated during a Sunday press conference.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has also been a vocal critic of the federal ICE raids. Demonstrations occurred at multiple locations throughout the city on Saturday.
