Anti-ICE protesters stay defiant after NYPD clash: ‘We do not apologize for standing up’

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A major protest in Lower Manhattan intensified when activists opposing federal immigration raids confronted law enforcement officers.

The clash unfolded outside a federal building where agents with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were reportedly preparing to carry out a raid. Despite the arrests and the chaos that followed, protesters and their supporters remained defiant.

Anti-ICE protest escalated in Lower Manhattan

On Saturday, November 29, more than 150 protesters gathered outside the government building on Centre Street, where ICE agents were allegedly preparing for an immigration raid.

The crowd ignored repeated police warnings to disperse. When law enforcement moved in to clear the area, tensions spiked as some officers were met with thrown debris and trash.

According to law enforcement officials, “multiple individuals were taken into custody.” Sources said at least 18 demonstrators had since been charged.

Police did not disclose additional details or confirm the total number of arrests but said officers issued several warnings to disperse, which were disregarded and resulted in clashes between protesters and the NYPD.

Some protesters, who reportedly hurled objects at officers, said they were resisting what they described as harsh and harmful immigration enforcement tactics. 

Jumaane Williams and Murad Awawdeh condemned ICE raids

Following the confrontation, activists pushed back against criticism.

At a press conference held with members of the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams declared, “We do not apologize for standing up,” adding, “We’ll do it every single time.”

NYIC President and CEO Murad Awawdeh said, “Our neighbors, New Yorkers of every stripe, mobilized, took time out of their day to come here and defend their neighbors,” adding that they gathered “to make sure that people were not disappeared, that families were not separated, and stood here for hours"

Awawdeh also reiterated that New York has been a sanctuary city for decades and said the community “stood up in the face of violence from the NYPD, while ICE continues its cruel mass deport action agenda.”

Brad Lander questioned NYPD role in federal operations

Outgoing New York City Comptroller Brad Lander criticized the police response, claiming officers “facilitated ICE deportations.” Lander said, “I really do want to ask the NYPD to remember who you’re sworn to protect and serve, and it’s the people of New York City.”

However, law enforcement sources told the New York Post that NYPD leadership was frustrated that officers were pulled into the unrest without prior coordination from federal authorities.

Jessica Tisch reportedly rebuked federal authorities

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch reportedly reprimanded federal agents for the lack of communication following Saturday’s incident. Sources also said Tisch agreed to remain in her position when Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a prominent critic of federal immigration policies under President Trump, takes office.

Federal officials have continued to face pushback due to New York’s status as a sanctuary city and its refusal to cooperate with ICE on civil detentions and deportations, a stance that has clashed with the Trump administration’s renewed push for nationwide immigration raids.