DHS issues warning after a protester disrupts ICE operation in NYC; 23 detained in related demonstration.

ICE Confronts Protester Disruption at NYC Federal Court

The Department of Homeland Security issued a formal warning on Wednesday following an incident in which a protester attempted to interfere with a federal immigration enforcement operation in New York City. The event occurred in the lobby of a federal immigration court building, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were executing an arrest.

According to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, ICE agents had contacted the Federal Protective Service (FPS) that morning for support during their operation. FPS officers responded and observed several individuals filming and photographing law enforcement inside the building. At approximately 11:45 a.m., one person allegedly tried to forcibly obstruct ICE agents as they attempted to take a suspect into custody.

The incident was reported to FPS as an assault on a federal officer. The individual was briefly detained, issued a violation notice by a U.S. district court, and later released. McLaughlin emphasized that any obstruction of federal law enforcement duties would result in legal consequences, including possible arrest.

Evening Protest Escalates Outside DHS Building

Later that evening, a separate protest drew further attention when nearly two dozen anti-ICE demonstrators gathered outside a Department of Homeland Security building in Manhattan. According to a New York Police Department spokesperson, officers responded to a 911 call around 6:35 p.m. regarding a disorderly group obstructing traffic.

Upon arrival, NYPD officers encountered approximately 20 to 30 protesters seated in the roadway. Despite multiple verbal warnings to vacate the area, the demonstrators reportedly refused to comply. As a result, 23 individuals were taken into custody. Of those, 18 received criminal court summonses, while five were arrested and formally charged.

These incidents underscore growing tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons commented earlier this month that assaults against ICE officers have surged by over 400% compared to the same period last year. He attributed a portion of the increase to politicians who, in his view, “are careless with their politically motivated rhetoric.”

Federal authorities maintain that ICE operations will continue and that interference with lawful enforcement actions will not be tolerated. The Department of Homeland Security reiterated its commitment to upholding public safety and ensuring that immigration laws are enforced without obstruction.