Reports from Manhattan indicate that nearly two dozen protesters, among them a pastor, were placed under arrest late Wednesday. The individuals involved were demonstrating against the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at a local courthouse, according to The City.
Following the detention of several undocumented immigrants by ICE officers within a Lower Manhattan courthouse, protesters obstructed the way of two vans being used for the transport of the detainees. Tensions escalated when approximately two dozen officers dressed in plain clothes and wearing masks stationed themselves in the lobby of 26 Federal Plaza. There, they corralled at least six immigrants, along with a Queens-based pastor who attempted to intervene.
Twenty-three people were arrested as activists rallied outside the U.S. Immigration Court. The location of the happenings was Varick Street near West Houston Street, according to police. Of those arrested, eighteen were later released with summonses. The situation of the remaining five is yet to be clarified.
This development follows earlier reports that the apprehension of illegal immigrants has been a key aspect of President Donald Trump’s policy, championed by border czar Tom Homan. ICE spokesperson Marie Ferguson stated that the agents are operating following the law. She pointed out that if the detained immigrants have legitimate claims of fear, they will continue in the immigration proceedings. However, if no valid claim is found, they will face swift deportation.
The New York Police Department assisted in clearing the protesters, including those obstructing the path of the ICE vans. One protester, identified as Marlena Fontes, expressed her disappointment with the political establishment, accusing them of allowing families to be broken apart. Another protester, who identified himself as Ben, described the incident as unprecedented, citing the number of agents and their attire as unusual.
