Advocates Criticize NYPD for Heavy-Handed Response to Protests

Advocates for immigrant rights and local politicians have condemned the New York Police Department (NYPD) for its aggressive response to anti-ICE protests in Chinatown on March 29, 2023. The events escalated into chaos, prompting criticism from various community leaders who gathered to voice their concerns.

During a press conference held outside a garage on Howard and Centre Streets, Murad Awawdeh, the head of the New York Immigration Coalition, described the police’s actions as brutal. He claimed that demonstrators were subjected to excessive force, with some being randomly sprayed with mace and others violently thrown to the ground. “New Yorkers, friends, and family members were confronted by the NYPD, and then they were brutalized,” Awawdeh stated, emphasizing that New York City has been a sanctuary city for decades.

Local officials echoed this sentiment, demanding that Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg drop charges against the approximately 19 protesters arrested during the demonstration. City Comptroller Brad Lander alleged that the police violated local laws by facilitating the escape of federal agents in vehicles, stating, “When you see SRG agents clearing the street for trucks, let’s be clear, the words for that are facilitating ICE deportations.” Lander stressed that such actions contradict New York City’s sanctuary laws.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams also voiced his support for the protesters, urging New Yorkers to continue standing up against ICE operations. He remarked, “We are immensely proud of New Yorkers who stepped up every time ICE agents have come in and tried to abuse our neighbors.” Williams called for peaceful actions but firmly stood by the protesters’ motivations.

Throughout the protest, videos showed police officers tackling demonstrators and using batons. One sergeant was observed deploying pepper spray that affected not only protesters but also journalists and fellow officers. As a result of the confrontation, police reported that 19 individuals were taken into custody, with 11 officially arrested. One individual, a 26-year-old male, faced charges of felony assault and criminal possession of a weapon for allegedly throwing a wooden pallet at an officer.

In response to the accusations of excessive force, an NYPD spokesperson denied any coordination with federal agents regarding the operation. “The NYPD was not in coordination with today’s federal operation and does not conduct civil immigration enforcement, period,” the spokesperson stated.

Insider sources revealed that Commissioner Tisch had expressed disapproval of the operation to FBI Director Kash Patel, labeling it unacceptable. Activist Jay Walker, who arrived at the scene after learning about ICE’s presence, criticized the lack of communication from city officials. He remarked, “I haven’t seen an adequate statement or remarks from our administration, including Mayor Adams and Commissioner Tisch. New Yorkers do not feel safe right now, and you are adding to that fear.”

The situation in Chinatown reflects ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in New York City, as advocates continue to rally against perceived injustices. The heavy-handed tactics employed by law enforcement have sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of the NYPD in protecting the rights of all residents, particularly those in immigrant communities.