Hundreds Arrested at Protests in London, New York Against Immigration, Anti-Terror Policies

In London, police arrested at least 365 protesters who defied a new anti-terror law by publicly supporting the banned pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action, which was designated a terrorist organization following its vandalism of Royal Air Force tanker aircraft. The demonstrators gathered outside the British Parliament holding signs in support of Palestine Action, an act that carries penalties of up to 14 years in prison under the Terrorism Act 2000, as part of a civil disobedience campaign organized by Defend Our Juries. Meanwhile, in New York City, multiple protesters were arrested during demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside 26 Federal Plaza, where detainees are allegedly held in overcrowded and inhumane conditions. Protesters, including faith leaders, sought access to the building's 10th floor to meet detainees but were denied, leading to sit-ins and road blockades that resulted in arrests for disorderly conduct. Activists accuse ICE of operating a covert detention facility at the site, a claim denied by authorities who say it is only a processing center, while calls continue for unrestricted access for elected officials, journalists, and faith leaders. These protests underscore ongoing tensions over freedom of expression and treatment of detainees amid contentious political issues in both the UK and the US.