Over 80 Arrested in NYC Mass Anti-ICE Protest Amid Nationwide Demonstrations

A large anti-ICE protest in Lower Manhattan erupted into violent clashes between thousands of demonstrators and NYPD officers, culminating in over 80 arrests. The protest, initially peaceful near Foley Square and Federal Plaza, grew chaotic as participants threw objects at police and vandalized barricades while chanting slogans like "Abolish ICE" and "ICE out of New York!". Prominent local officials, including Brooklyn Councilwoman Shahana Hanif and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, criticized Mayor Eric Adams for allegedly collaborating with President Trump and enabling ICE operations. The unrest reflects broader national tensions, with similar protests occurring in cities such as Los Angeles, where federal immigration enforcement and National Guard deployments have sparked controversy. The demonstrations highlight the fierce opposition to President Trump's aggressive immigration policies and ICE raids, which critics argue exacerbate fear and instability in immigrant communities. These events unfold amid political debates over related legislation, with some Democrats accusing Trump of using immigration enforcement as a distraction from other issues.