More Than a Dozen Arrested After Protesters Block Federal Agents in Manhattan Garage

More than a dozen demonstrators were arrested in lower Manhattan on Saturday after protesters linked arms to block federal immigration agents from leaving a garage, according to law enforcement officials.

Video from the scene shows a human chain chanting "ICE out of New York" as a vehicle attempted to exit the garage. Officials said some protesters grabbed planters and hurled them at federal vehicles, and that officers deployed what appeared to be pepper spray to subdue several participants.

The demonstration took place near Foley Square and followed a larger protest there last month. That earlier gathering came in the wake of a chaotic immigration enforcement operation on Canal Street in Chinatown, a busy area known for street vendors and heavy foot traffic.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said people "dressed in black clothing with backpacks, face masks, and goggles" arrived after social media posts encouraged "agitators to ICE’s location," and began obstructing federal law enforcement officers. DHS warned that publicizing agents' locations can put them at increased risk and said anyone who assaults law enforcement will be prosecuted.

Two law enforcement officials briefed on a call said Ricky Patel, special agent in charge of New York’s Homeland Security Investigations, apologized to New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch for how the enforcement action unfolded. The officials said Tisch criticized the operation for endangering the public, federal agents and NYPD officers, warning that displays of force that create chaos on city streets must stop because they risk causing injuries.

The NYPD said officers responded just before noon to a 911 call reporting a "disorderly group" near Chinatown and observed people blocking streets and exits and "throwing debris." "They were instructed multiple times to disperse, and they did not comply. As a result, multiple individuals were taken into custody," the department said.

Footage and accounts from the scene show that the crowd initially gathered peacefully in front of a closed garage before moving to a street corner. When the garage door opened, protesters formed a ring and created a makeshift blockade using piles of wood, cardboard and trash bins. As a car left the garage, some protesters chased and shouted at the vehicle; officers moved in, and at least one demonstrator was tackled and later released.

City Council member Julie Menin condemned the federal agents' conduct as "utterly irresponsible," saying the action "created a dangerous situation for both the public and our NYPD officers." The New York Immigration Coalition — which represents more than 200 immigrant and refugee organizations statewide — criticized law enforcement’s response and called for the immediate release of those arrested.

The situation remains under review by local and federal authorities. Maria Sole Campinoti contributed reporting to this piece.