Advocates and Officials Condemn NYPD’s Response to Protests

Immigrant advocates and elected officials criticized the New York Police Department (NYPD) for its aggressive handling of anti-ICE protests in Chinatown that occurred on December 29, 2023. During a press conference held the following day, community leaders expressed outrage over the police’s actions, which they deemed excessive and unwarranted.

Standing in front of a garage at the intersection of Howard and Centre Streets, Murad Awawdeh, the head of the New York Immigration Coalition, accused the NYPD of brutalizing peaceful protesters. He described incidents where individuals were randomly attacked, stating, “New Yorkers, friends, and family members were confronted by the NYPD, and then they were brutalized. Some people, randomly, were maced. Others were thrown to the ground violently for what New York City has been a sanctuary city for decades.”

Other local politicians joined Awawdeh in condemnation, urging Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg to drop charges against the 19 protesters who were arrested during the chaotic demonstration.

Brad Lander, the City Comptroller, accused the police of violating local laws by facilitating the escape of federal agents in vehicles. “When you see Special Response Group (SRG) agents clearing the street for trucks, let’s be clear, the words for that are facilitating ICE deportations. That is a violation of New York City sanctuary law, and it’s not tolerable,” he asserted. Lander emphasized the need for the NYPD to remember their duty to protect the citizens of New York City, stating, “Yesterday, the people who were protecting and serving New Yorkers were the protesters who showed up.”

Participants in the press conference highlighted the courage of New Yorkers who confronted federal agents. Jumaane Williams, the Public Advocate, acknowledged their bravery, urging continued nonviolent resistance against ICE operations. “We will not apologize for stepping up and protecting one another,” he affirmed. “I want to encourage all New Yorkers to continue to do the same. The only thing that we ask is that you do it as nonviolently as possible.”

Witnesses reported seeing police officers aggressively tackling individuals and using batons to control the crowd. There were also accounts of pepper spray being discharged indiscriminately, affecting both protesters and journalists alike. Police sources confirmed that approximately 19 individuals were taken into custody, with 11 officially arrested and charged. One protester, a 26-year-old male, faced felony assault and criminal possession of a weapon charges after allegedly throwing a wooden pallet that struck an officer.

In response to the criticism, an NYPD spokesperson denied claims of coordination with federal agents, asserting that, “The NYPD was not in coordination with today’s federal operation and does not conduct civil immigration enforcement, period.”

Activist Jay Walker criticized the lack of an adequate response from city officials, including Mayor Adams and Commissioner Tisch. He expressed concern over the climate of fear in the community, stating, “ICE is terrorizing our city, not protesters — not non-violent protesters who are standing up for human rights.”

As the situation continues to unfold, the call for accountability from the NYPD remains strong among advocates and local leaders, emphasizing the need for a humane approach to immigration issues and the protection of community members.