Protesters Arrested for Blocking ICE Officers in New York

Several protesters were arrested while trying to block U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at a facility on Canal Street in New York City on Nov. 29.

“Following social media posts calling agitators to ICE’s location in New York City, individuals dressed in black clothing with backpacks, face masks, and goggles showed up and began to obstruct federal law enforcement officers including by blocking the parking garage,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement.

Dozens of protesters assembled outside of a General Services Administration garage used by ICE on Canal Street in Manhattan, shouting slogans such as “ICE out of New York!” at officers and disrupting a convoy of federal vehicles from exiting the garage.

Protesters tried to block the vans with trash cans, pallets, planters, and other trash. Some also obstructed law enforcement vehicles by standing in front of them.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) said officers responded to a call about a disorderly group in the area around noon. “[The officers] observed multiple people blocking the street and were told multiple times to disperse but they did not comply,” the NYPD said in a statement.

The vehicles were eventually escorted through the protesting crowd, and a number of protesters were arrested.

“We are grateful for the NYPD officers that responded to these violent agitators and stopped the lawlessness that ensued,” the Department of Homeland Security stated. “We won’t let violent rioters slow us down and anyone who assaults law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The Epoch Times contacted the NYPD, Homeland Security, and ICE for more information.

A spokesperson for Homeland Security said that their officers were making “lawful arrests of criminal illegal aliens.”

“We will never apologize for enforcing the law and removing criminal illegal aliens including murderers, pedophiles, rapists, gang members, and terrorists from our communities,” the spokesperson said.

The protest occurred days after a deadly attack on two National Guard members in Washington, allegedly by an Afghan refugee, prompting the Trump administration to begin a review of its green card policy for holders from certain countries of concern.

White House border czar Tom Homan said on Nov. 18 that ICE would be making arrests in New York City during operations targeting criminal illegal immigrants in the sanctuary jurisdiction. This would expand on ongoing operations in the city, he said.

During an October operation on Canal Street, on a part of Chinatown known for imitation luxury accessories, watches, scents, electronics, and more, ICE officers were surrounded by protesters. At least one protester was arrested.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said at the time that the city was not involved with the immigration enforcement operation.

Reuters contributed to this report.