MANHATTAN, N.Y. –
At least 23 people were taken into custody during a protest outside a U.S. immigration courthouse in New York City Wednesday night, according to the NYPD.
Police officers and protesters were seen clashing outside the court on Varick Street in videos posted to social media.
Protesters told PIX11 News they showed up after hearing about migrants being carried away in white vans from the courthouse, leaving their families with no information as to where their loved ones were going and why.
A demonstrator said police were using mace to subdue crowds.
“There’s no way that we can stay silent,” Mariposa told PIX11 News. “There’s no way that we can trust the officials, government. They have betrayed citizens and people who have followed the legal court proceedings. This is not O.K.”
According to an NYPD spokesperson, officers made the arrests based on charges that include disorderly conduct and obstructing governmental administration. No injuries were reported.
“Our primary concern is ensuring public safety and keeping the courthouse accessible,” the NYPD said in a statement. “We support the right to peaceful protest, but unlawful behavior will be addressed accordingly.”
Advocacy groups involved in the protest have condemned the arrests, claiming the demonstrators were exercising their constitutional rights. “These arrests are an attempt to silence dissent,” said one organizer. “We will not be intimidated.”
Legal support teams were reportedly deployed to assist those detained. As of Friday morning, most of the individuals taken into custody had been released with summonses.
The protest comes amid heightened debate over immigration enforcement policies and deportation proceedings in New York and nationwide.
The NYPD has not confirmed if anyone detained will face charges.
