Police confirmed multiple arrests Saturday after hundreds of anti-ICE agitators were caught on video throwing trash cans and debris at officers near a government building in New York City.
The incident happened during an ongoing crackdown on illegal immigrants in Chinatown, which has spurred protests in the area for more than a month.
Officers responded to Centre and Howard streets, near the U.S. General Service Administration building in Lower Manhattan, just before noon on a report of disorderly protesters, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) told Fox News Digital.
When police arrived, they found people blocking the street and exits at different locations, the NYPD said.
Video footage showed rioters pushing large potted plants in front of ICE vehicles, throwing trash at officers and screaming obscenities.
They were also spotted hurling trash cans and recycling bins and pushing barricades against officers.
Police said the protesters were told multiple times to disperse but did not comply.
Multiple people were taken into custody, according to the NYPD. The total number of arrests has not yet been released.
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ICE Public Affairs Assistant Director Emily Covington told Fox News that the protest was coordinated on social media, and organizers called agitators to ICE’s location in New York City.
“Individuals dressed in black clothing with backpacks, face masks, and goggles showed up and began to obstruct federal law enforcement officers including by blocking the parking garage,” Covington wrote in a statement. “When individuals broadcast the location of ICE, they are putting a target on the backs of officers.”
She added ICE officers are facing a 1,150% increase in assaults against them and an 8,000% increase in death threats as they make lawful arrests of criminal illegal immigrants.
“We are grateful for the NYPD officers that responded to these violent agitators and stopped the lawlessness that ensued,” Covington wrote. “We will never apologize for enforcing the law and removing criminal illegal aliens including murderers, pedophiles, rapists, gang members, and terrorists from our communities. We won’t let violent rioters slow us down and anyone who assaults law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
