Mayor Adams warns 'violence will not be tolerated' in NYC amid protests over immigration crackdown
MANHATTAN, New York (WABC) -- Mayor Eric Adams warned that "violence and lawlessness" will not be tolerated in New York City, after dozens of protesters were arrested on Monday amid outrage over the Trump administration's intensified immigration crackdown.
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.
Mayor Adams warns "violence" will not be tolerated during demonstrations
Mayor Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch held a news conference inside Gracie Mansion on Monday afternoon, addressing the growing demonstrations across the U.S.
Adams says the safety of people in the city is his top priority. He says he will accept peaceful protests, but "we will not allow violence and lawlessness."
"The escalation of protests in Los Angeles over the last couple of days is unacceptable and would not be tolerated if attempted in our city," Adams said.
Tisch says she was on the phone all weekend with federal officials, and told them "at the New York City Police Department, we know how to police protests in a manner that maintains public safety and upholds the law."
She says a plan is in place to use the full resources of the NYPD if needed.
Dozens arrested in Trump Tower protest as separate demonstration take place in NYC
The mayor's warning came as protestors in New York gathered to speak out against Trump's travel ban and mass deportation campaign.
"This is not the America and the United States that we know, this is supposed to be a nation of the rule of law, and this administration continues to trample on the U.S. constitution," one protester in Foley Square reacted.
At Trump Tower in Midtown, about 20 to 25 protesters were arrested after they entered the lobby.
Meanwhile, Monday afternoon at City Hall, major labor unions held an emergency rally to demand the release of detained SEIU California President David Huerta.
"This is an abuse of power and tarnishes our democracy," another protester said. "We demand David Huerta's release and all the other individuals caught up in this cruel, militaristic ICE raids happening across the country."
"People who killed a Capitol police officer and who charged at this government were pardoned, and this administration has the nerve to call people who are standing up for human rights and dignity of people who are being unjustly targeted insurrectionists?" another protester said. "We are in the Upside Down."
Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, called Pres. Trump's activation of the California National Guard a "knee jerk... probably premeditated reaction." He added that he is deeply concerned that Trump is "itching to escalate this further - rather than to resolve it."
NYPD, NYC officials golf with President Trump at Bedminster
As immigration raids are stepped-up in the city, along with larger demonstrations, which are expected in the coming days and weeks, it has raised the prospect of National Guard troops on the streets of New York.
Over the weekend, high-ranking city officials posted on social media, saying they met with President Trump at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
"It was a true privilege to meet President Donald Trump," said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry in a social media post. "I'm grateful for the warm welcome and humbled by the experience. Thank you, Mr. President, for the time, hospitality, and respect."
NYPD Chief of Department John Chell also posted on social media, saying "Great day on the links today with POTUS, #45-#47 - Donald J. Trump. Good conversation with a few laughs and a great lunch."
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams reacted to the posts on Monday morning, calling it "disgraceful," and saying, "two days ago top NYPD officials are playing golf with Donald Trump while people are being arrested and being kidnapped. What the hell is that Eric Adams? where are you?!"
Sources told Eyewitness News that a conversation between NYPD officials and President Trump was on keeping the National Guard out of the city during any demonstrations.
Impact of Trump's travel ban
President Trump tied his new travel ban to the recent terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, claiming the attack underscored the dangers posed by visitors who overstay their visa.
U.S. officials say the man charged in the attack is from Egypt and overstayed his tourist visa.
Trump's travel ban impacts citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
It also imposes heightened travel restrictions on people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela who are outside the U.S. and don't hold a valid visa.
The new ban does not revoke visas previously issued to people from countries on the list, according to guidance issued to all U.S. diplomatic missions. Travelers with previously issued visas should still be able to enter the U.S., even after the ban takes effect.
"I don't think it's a good thing. I think it's very upsetting to see and hear and I hope that times get better," one Haitian American told Eyewitness News.
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