Anti-ICE activists declared on Sunday that they would persist in protesting federal immigration raids in New York City, standing firm after recent clashes with police that turned violent during demonstrations in lower Manhattan.
This declaration follows a chaotic scene where protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement escalated, involving confrontations with law enforcement. Yet, activists remain resolute in their commitment to continue these protests.
“I’m not going to apologize for standing up,” said New York City Public Defender Jumaane Williams at a news conference, accompanied by members of the New York Immigration Coalition. This statement came just a day after over 150 protesters clashed with officers near an ICE operation center.
Williams emphasized, “We’ll do it every time.”
Police reported being summoned to a demonstration outside the Army General Services Administration Building on Center Street just before noon on Saturday, where they encountered thrown debris and numerous detentions.
While police withheld detailed information about arrests, they mentioned issuing multiple warnings to the demonstrators, who allegedly ignored them, leading to the ensuing chaos. At least 18 protesters have been charged, according to officials.
The weekend protests drew crowds to a lower Manhattan lot, where immigration agents were said to be preparing raids, as noted by law enforcement.
Supporters on Sunday labeled the ongoing raids as “horribly stupid.” Murad Awadeh, president and CEO of the coalition, remarked, “Our neighbors, New Yorkers from all walks of life, came together and took time out of their day to stand here for hours, protecting their neighbors so that people don’t go missing and families don’t get separated.”
Outgoing City Comptroller Brad Lander criticized the NYPD, claiming they facilitated ICE’s deportations. “I really want to ask the NYPD to remember who you are sworn to protect and serve, which is the people of New York City,” he said, adding that the same individuals who were protecting New Yorkers were the ones participating in the protests.
However, law enforcement officials shared that the police leadership was less than thrilled about being caught in the tumult without prior notice from federal authorities. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch allegedly expressed her frustration during the altercations, which saw officers facing debris while attempting to shield ICE personnel.
Tisch accepted her position even as Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, a critic of federal immigration policy under the Trump administration, prepares to take office. Federal authorities are also grappling with New York’s identity as a sanctuary city, which contradicts the Trump administration’s goals of widespread immigration enforcement.
Immigrant advocates insist they won’t back down as long as the raids persist. “Every time federal agents come into our communities with the intent of lawless assault and terror, they are met with nonviolent community resistance,” noted Hannah Stouts, an organizer with Hands Off New York City, at a Sunday press conference.
