Dozens arrested as protesters march through Lower Manhattan over Trump's immigration policies
MANHATTAN, New York (WABC) -- Dozens of people have been arrested as demonstrators took over Foley Square and marched through Lower Manhattan Tuesday evening, all in protest over the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
After seeing what's been happening in Los Angeles, activists in New York City want their voices to be heard in the face of the Trump administration's strategy to deport more undocumented immigrants.
NewsCopter 7 showed thousands of protesters in Foley Square across from where ICE operations in New York City have been centered.
The demonstrators then made their way west through TriBeca, marching through Lower Manhattan to one of several federal immigration courts, where ICE has been detaining migrants over the past few weeks.
"I think it's my obligation as a citizen to speak for those who are in the shadows, everything that's going on is just heartbreaking and it hits pretty close to home," said demonstrator Denisse Mejia.
Dozens of people were arrested on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, anti-ICE protests on Monday led to more than 30 arrests in the city.
It comes as Mayor Eric Adams warned earlier this week that "violence and lawlessness" will not be tolerated in New York City.
The Trump administration's actions have fueled heightened tensions and days of demonstrations in Los Angeles, where hundreds of protesters were blasted with tear gas and flash grenades when they blocked streets downtown, set fired and refused to disperse.
On Monday, 700 Marines in California were ordered to assist, and they're expected to arrive over the next 24 hours, a U.S. official confirmed.
Meanwhile, the impact on the west coast has shaken New York City, where roughly 40% of residents are from another country.
While seven people were arrested at Foley Square on Monday, protesters also gathered outside of Trump Tower to speak out against deportations and the new travel ban that went into effect Monday. Twenty-four people were arrested after refusing to leave the lobby.
In the event that protests escalate, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that the NYPD will be fine without federal intervention, including sending the National Guard in.
She says they have plans and resources in place to respond to any civil unrest.
Adams has said he will not tolerate the type of protests that are happening in L.A. in New York City.
"The escalation of protests in L.A. over the last few days is unacceptable and will not be tolerated if attempted in our city," Adams said. "And I want to assure all New Yorkers that we have the best police department in the world... men and women that are prepared to handle any issues that may arise, especially when we are faced with deep division in our society."
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