NYPD Faces Backlash Over Heavy Response to Chinatown Protest

UPDATE: Immigrant advocates and local officials are demanding accountability from the NYPD following a brutal response to anti-ICE protests in Chinatown on November 29. Tensions escalated during the demonstration, leading to the arrest of 19 protesters, with 11 officially charged.

Advocates gathered outside a garage on Howard and Centre Streets, voicing their outrage against police actions that left demonstrators feeling unsafe. Murad Awawdeh, head of the New York Immigration Coalition, alleged that police used excessive force, stating, “New Yorkers… were brutalized. Some people, randomly, were maced. Others were thrown to the ground violently.”

Local politicians echoed these sentiments. City Comptroller Brad Lander accused police of violating local sanctuary laws by facilitating the escape of federal agents. “When you see SRG agents clearing the street… that is a violation of New York City sanctuary law, and it’s not tolerable,” Lander charged, demanding the drop of all charges against protesters.

Throughout the chaotic day, police were seen tackling demonstrators and using pepper spray indiscriminately, affecting not just protesters but also journalists and even fellow officers. Eyewitnesses reported a disturbing scene as police resorted to violence against those standing against what they viewed as an unjust operation by ICE.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams praised the bravery of New Yorkers confronting federal agents, stating, “We will not apologize for stepping up and protecting one another.” He urged citizens to continue their peaceful protests while emphasizing the need for nonviolence.

The NYPD has yet to release a comprehensive statement regarding the incident, but an official denied allegations of collusion with federal agents, asserting, “The NYPD was not in coordination with today’s federal operation.” Sources indicate that Commissioner Jessica Tisch expressed dissatisfaction over the operation’s conduct during discussions with the FBI.

Activist Jay Walker criticized the lack of response from city officials, urging them to acknowledge the fear gripping communities. “ICE is terrorizing our city, not non-violent protesters who are standing up for human rights,” Walker stated.

As the situation develops, advocates are calling for a reassessment of police conduct and a commitment to protecting the rights of all New Yorkers. The protest and subsequent police response have ignited a larger conversation about immigration policy and community safety in a city known for its sanctuary status.

Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation as it unfolds.