NYC Immigration Protests Turn Violent

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Lower Manhattan on Tuesday, demonstrating against the Trump administration's intensified immigration crackdown. The protests, echoing similar demonstrations in Los Angeles, focused on the arrests of migrants at courthouses and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices.

<img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/06/10/multimedia/10immigrationprotest-new-1-fgpz/10immigrationprotest-new-1-fgpz-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="Demonstrators protesting outside ICE headquarters in NYC." >

The demonstration, initially peaceful, escalated as tensions rose between protesters and police. Dozens of arrests were made throughout the night amidst clashes near Foley Square, where the main immigration court is located. The situation became increasingly volatile, with reports of protesters chanting, shoving, and throwing objects at police. Police responded with pepper spray and physical force.

Mayor Adams' Response

Mayor Eric Adams, while acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, condemned the violence and affirmed that the NYPD would respond decisively to any attacks against officers. He also stated that he doesn't foresee the need for National Guard deployment in NYC, unlike the situation in Los Angeles.

<img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/06/10/multimedia/10immigration-new-03-mbgk/10immigration-new-03-mbgk-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" alt="Protesters marching in Lower Manhattan." >

Personal Stories

The protests included heartfelt accounts from individuals whose family members and friends are impacted by immigration policies. Many expressed fear for the safety and well-being of their loved ones, highlighting the emotional toll of the administration's actions.

Comparing NYC and LA Protests

While the New York City protests were larger than previous days, the level of violence was significantly less than the chaotic scenes reported in Los Angeles, where clashes between protesters and federal officers resulted in injuries and property damage. The NYPD's swift response was cited as a key difference.

The protests in New York followed similar demonstrations over the weekend, further highlighting the growing unrest over immigration policies. Many protesters chanted "ICE out of NYC" and "Abolish ICE", reflecting widespread opposition to the agency's actions.