Officials Condemn NYPD’s Heavy Response to Chinatown Protest

Immigrant advocates and elected officials voiced strong criticism of the New York Police Department (NYPD) on December 3, 2023, following a chaotic anti-ICE protest in Chinatown that occurred the previous day. Demonstrators took to the streets to oppose federal immigration enforcement actions, leading to confrontations with law enforcement that resulted in multiple arrests.

Allegations of Police Brutality

During a press conference held near the intersection of Howard and Centre Streets, advocates expressed outrage over the NYPD’s treatment of protesters. Murad Awawdeh, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, accused police of using excessive force. He described how demonstrators were “brutalized” and noted incidents where individuals were randomly sprayed with mace and violently thrown to the ground.

“New Yorkers, friends, and family members were confronted by the NYPD, and then they were brutalized,” Awawdeh stated.

Local politicians joined Awawdeh in condemning the NYPD’s actions. They demanded that Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg dismiss charges against approximately 19 individuals who were arrested during the protest.

Concerns Over Sanctuary City Laws

City Comptroller Brad Lander alleged that the NYPD had violated local sanctuary laws by facilitating the movement of federal agents during the protest. He emphasized that allowing federal vehicles to navigate through the crowd constituted a breach of New York City’s commitment to protecting its immigrant population.

“When you see SRG agents clearing the street, clearing the way for trucks, let’s be clear, the words for that are facilitating ICE deportations. That is a violation of New York City sanctuary law, and it’s not tolerable,” Lander asserted. “I really do want to ask the NYPD to remember who you’re sworn to protect and serve.”

Many elected officials praised the demonstrators for standing against what they believed would have been a significant ICE operation. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams called for nonviolent resistance but expressed pride in the protesters’ bravery.

“We will not apologize for stepping up and protecting one another,” Williams said.

Police Response and Arrests

Reports from the day of the protest indicated that approximately 19 individuals were taken into custody, with 11 facing official charges. One protester, a 26-year-old man, was charged with felony assault and criminal possession of a weapon for allegedly throwing a wooden pallet that struck an officer.

As the situation unfolded, images captured by journalists showed officers using batons and pepper spray against protesters, some of whom were journalists covering the event. Eyewitness accounts described chaotic scenes as law enforcement confronted demonstrators.

Although the NYPD did not immediately respond to the allegations, a spokesperson denied claims of coordination with federal agents. “The NYPD was not in coordination with today’s federal operation and does not conduct civil immigration enforcement, period,” the spokesperson stated.

Activist Jay Walker, who arrived at the scene after learning of ICE’s presence, criticized the lack of a public response from the city’s administration, including Mayor Eric Adams and Commissioner Tisch. He urged officials to recognize the fear that many New Yorkers are experiencing due to ICE operations.

“ICE is terrorizing our city, not protesters — not non-violent protesters who are standing up for human rights,” Walker concluded.

The events in Chinatown have sparked a renewed debate about the role of police in immigration enforcement and the treatment of protesters advocating for immigrant rights. As the situation develops, advocates continue to call for accountability and respect for New York City’s sanctuary laws.