Several individuals arrested during anti-ICE protest in Manhattan, according to NYPD updates.
On Friday, August 8, 2025, dozens of protesters were arrested during a demonstration against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency at Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan, amid continuing concerns over the treatment of immigrant detainees in detention centers across the country. The protest initially commenced at City Hall Park and proceeded to 26 Federal Plaza, where activists claim that individuals are being held in distressing and overcrowded conditions.
The demonstration intensified when a group of religious leaders attempted to gain entry to the building to advocate for the rights of detainees but were denied access, prompting activists to sit on Broadway in defiance, effectively blocking traffic in the area. As they protested, participants carried placards displaying slogans such as “ICE is Trump’s Gestapo” and “Release Them All,” emphasizing their call for immediate action to address alleged human rights abuses within ICE facilities.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) dispatched approximately 30 officers to the scene, where they surrounded the protesters. While the NYPD announced that there were “multiple arrests,” they did not specify the exact number or the charges involved. Media estimates indicated approximately 15 individuals were detained during the confrontation. In similar occurrences, detainees have historically faced charges that include disorderly conduct and trespassing.
The protests come amidst mounting outcry over the conditions faced by immigrants held in detention settings, specifically the 10th floor of the facility at 26 Federal Plaza. Documentation and reports have surfaced describing the environment as inhumane and overcrowded, raising critical questions regarding the treatment of vulnerable populations by government agencies tasked with enforcing immigration laws.
In videos shared across social media platforms, the situation was captured as officers proceeded to make arrests, with images showing demonstrators calmly being restrained. The impact of rising tensions between protesters and law enforcement underscores ongoing national debates regarding immigration enforcement practices and broader systemic issues regarding equity and human rights in America.
As the movement against ICE continues to gain traction, the response from government and law enforcement will likely face increased scrutiny, emphasizing the necessity for dialogue on immigration reform and human rights protections.
