Chaos erupted outside a Manhattan courthouse Wednesday as anti-ICE protesters clashed with law enforcement, leading to 23 arrests. Protesters blocked traffic, defied police orders, and tried to enter the courthouse to disrupt Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. NYPD officers, using pepper spray and zip ties, removed protesters from the streets and courthouse entrances, restoring order amid the unrest.
The protesters, described as a “disorderly group” by the NYPD, were reportedly attempting to block ICE vehicles they believed were carrying illegal migrants. According to reports, some protesters even entered the courthouse to interfere with arrests, including a Queens-based pastor. Video footage shows protesters resisting law enforcement, pushing metal gates, and being forcibly detained.
The NYPD confirmed that five protesters face criminal charges, including obstruction of government administration. Eighteen others were issued court summonses for their involvement. Law enforcement stated the group refused multiple warnings to clear the roadway before arrests were made.
The protest highlights growing tensions over ICE operations, particularly as federal agents continue arresting illegal migrants at courthouses across the country. Protesters claim ICE’s courthouse arrests target migrants seeking legal recourse, while federal authorities argue they are within their rights. The Department of Homeland Security under President Donald Trump maintains that ICE agents can enter courthouses when they have credible information a target is present.
Trump’s administration has consistently prioritized immigration enforcement and has taken legal action against officials accused of helping illegal migrants evade ICE. The protests in Manhattan reflect ongoing opposition to ICE’s role in immigration law, but law enforcement continues to enforce federal policy to secure the nation’s borders and uphold immigration law.
The Manhattan protest is part of a growing trend of far-left activists seeking to obstruct immigration enforcement across the country. These protests aim to shield illegal migrants from deportation, often by directly interfering with law enforcement operations.
While activists claim they are standing up for migrant rights, critics argue that these actions endanger public safety, undermine the rule of law, and embolden criminal behavior. The chaotic scenes in Manhattan serve as yet another reminder of the left’s willingness to disrupt lawful government proceedings in pursuit of their radical agenda.
