Massive Anti-ICE Protest Draws Over 2,000 Participants
On Sunday, more than 2,000 anti-ICE protesters gathered in Central Park, marking the largest demonstration since the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis last week.
The gathering came just days after tensions erupted over the controversial incident. Marching down Fifth Avenue, the crowd was under the watchful eye of the New York City Police Department. Many held signs condemning federal immigration authorities and President Trump.
“I came here today to take down President Trump’s Gestapo, or ICE,” said a demonstrator in Rockland County, who only gave his name as Glenn, 61.
“Renee Goode was murdered by ICE. So, are we okay with using violence against them? Yes,” he added. “They are kidnappers. If violence is what they understand, then that’s the language we need to speak.” Despite this harsh rhetoric, the protest remained loud but peaceful as the afternoon unfolded.
The Trump administration, particularly Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, claimed that ICE agent Jonathan Ross acted in self-defense when shooting Good, who reportedly struck an officer with her vehicle during an incident in Minneapolis last Wednesday.
The White House attributed the violence surrounding the clash to left-wing agitators who interfered with federal duties.
Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot multiple times while trying to escape an ICE operation. According to video footage, it appeared she may have pinned Ross with her vehicle prior to being shot. This incident ignited widespread protests in Minneapolis and beyond.
During the rally, participants held signs with messages like “Sic Semper Tyrannis” and “ICE = Murder,” while chanting, “Say it loud, say it clearly—ICE is not welcome here.”
Interestingly, some protesters spoke positively about the NYPD. One 79-year-old participant noted, “We feel safe because of the NYPD. Even though ICE shot that woman, we feel much safer having them here today.” It’s perhaps a reflection of the complexity surrounding such demonstrations—the lines between support and dissent often blur in unexpected ways.
