Protests against ICE in Foley Square intensify with larger crowds on the second day.
On the evening of June 10, 2025, approximately 2,000 demonstrators gathered in Foley Square, Lower Manhattan, to protest against the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. The event, part of an ongoing “ICE Out of NYC” campaign, focused on opposing the mass deportations of individuals detained by ICE. The intensity of the protest resulted in the arrest of 48 individuals as tensions escalated in the late hours.
The protests commenced around 5 p.m., near the ICE facility located at 26 Federal Plaza. Participants expressed their outrage through chants and slogans, explicitly targeting the policies of the Trump administration related to immigration enforcement. Protesters voiced their dissent with phrases condemning the agency and its operations, reflecting a growing frustration with immigration enforcement practices in the United States.
As the evening progressed, conflicts arose between the anti-ICE protesters and counter-protesters, leading to increased tensions in the area. Police intervened as confrontations unfolded, particularly around Broadway and Duane Street. Reports indicated that authorities escorted individuals attempting to disrupt the rally away from the area, underscoring the charged atmosphere of the gathering.
At around 8 p.m., police began making arrests, deploying zip ties to secure demonstrators. Witnesses reported that law enforcement officers seemed prepared to escalate their response, claiming that protesters were struck with batons. This assertive method of crowd control sparked further frustration among attendees, who began chanting demands for the release of the detained protesters.
Among those demonstrating were individuals expressing various perspectives. Some counter-protesters, clad in attire advocating for stricter immigration policies, engaged directly with their adversaries, further complicating the already volatile situation. The presence of diverse viewpoints highlighted the polarized nature of current immigration debates in the United States.
Protesters continued to chant their demands for justice and empathy, with some expressing vehement opposition to ICE’s practices and the broader implications of the current immigration policy landscape. The events of the evening in Foley Square serve as a reminder of the significant public discourse surrounding immigration reform in America today, accentuated by a continuing trend of activism among various segments of the population.
As demonstrations ended and arrests were made, the spotlight remained on the ongoing implications of immigration enforcement practices and the public’s role in shaping future policies. This protest at Foley Square was not just an isolated event but part of a larger movement aimed at addressing systemic issues related to immigration and human rights in the United States.
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