Advocates and Officials Criticize NYPD’s Handling of Protest

On November 29, 2023, immigrant advocates and local politicians condemned the New York Police Department (NYPD) for its aggressive response to an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest in Chinatown. The demonstration, which aimed to voice opposition against ICE operations, escalated into chaos, leading to significant backlash against law enforcement.

Calls for Accountability and Charges to Be Dropped

Standing outside a garage on Howard and Centre Streets, advocates expressed their outrage at the NYPD’s actions. Murad Awawdeh, the head of the New York Immigration Coalition, alleged that officers brutalized peaceful protesters during the demonstration. “New Yorkers, friends, and family members were confronted by the NYPD, and then they were brutalized. Some people were randomly maced, while others were violently thrown to the ground,” Awawdeh stated.

Local officials echoed Awawdeh’s sentiments, with calls for Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to drop charges against the approximately 19 protesters arrested during the event. City Comptroller Brad Lander claimed that the police violated local sanctuary laws by facilitating ICE operations. “When you see SRG agents clearing the way for trucks, that is facilitating ICE deportations. It is not the job of the NYPD to facilitate the deportations of our neighbors,” Lander asserted.

Protesters Stand Against ICE Operations

Nearly all elected officials present praised the protesters for their bravery in confronting federal agents. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams stated, “We will not apologize for stepping up and protecting one another. We are immensely proud of New Yorkers who have stood up against ICE agents trying to abuse our neighbors.” He encouraged continued peaceful resistance against such operations.

Reports indicate that police aggressively tackled demonstrators, using batons and pepper spray. One officer was seen deploying pepper spray that affected not only protesters but also journalists and fellow officers. According to police sources, around 19 individuals were taken into custody, with 11 officially arrested and charged. One individual, a 26-year-old male, faced felony assault and criminal possession of a weapon charges after allegedly throwing a wooden pallet that struck an officer’s leg.

In response to the criticism, an NYPD spokesperson denied claims of coordination with federal agents during the protest. “The NYPD was not in coordination with today’s federal operation and does not conduct civil immigration enforcement, period,” the spokesperson stated. Despite these denials, sources revealed that Commissioner Tisch expressed to FBI Director Kash Patel that the handling of the situation was unacceptable.

Activist Jay Walker, who arrived on the scene after learning about ICE’s presence, criticized the lack of statements from city officials, including Mayor Eric Adams and Commissioner Tisch. “New Yorkers do not feel safe right now. They are living in fear, and you are adding to that fear,” Walker remarked. He emphasized that ICE, not the protesters, poses a threat to the community.

This incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities like New York, where advocates continue to challenge the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration matters. As the situation develops, calls for accountability and protection of immigrant rights are expected to persist.