NYC Politicians Apprehended for Obstructing Ice’s Entry to Federal Facility | New York City

In New York, lawmakers, immigrants’ rights activists, and religious leaders staged a protest and were arrested both inside and outside the complex in lower Manhattan where federal authorities have been detaining immigrants. The protest was part of opposition to the Trump administration’s anti-immigration policies. Demonstrators blocked access to and from the underground garage used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) to transport detained individuals. Brad Lander, the New York City comptroller, was among those arrested. Inside the federal building, lawmakers demanded to see the conditions at the Ice intake facility, resulting in the arrest of 11 elected officials. Protesters also gathered outside to block the garage entrance. Tony Simone, a New York state representative, vowed to continue protesting and called on others to stand up against the administration’s immigration policies. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson accused the lawmakers of pulling a stunt and claimed that some detainees were gang members, possessed fentanyl, or had a gun. Protesters were arrested and charged with a federal misdemeanor for blocking the corridors.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/18/new-york-ice-protest