NYPD officers arrested 24 anti-ICE protesters who invaded Trump Tower, as violent demonstrations spread nationwide, prompting President Trump to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles where cars burned and officers were attacked.
Key Takeaways
- Anti-ICE protesters were forcibly removed from Trump Tower in Manhattan after refusing to leave, with 24 individuals arrested by NYPD’s Strategic Defense Unit.
- Nationwide protests intensified following ICE operations that resulted in 45 arrests, including a Vietnamese illegal alien with a murder conviction.
- President Trump authorized National Guard deployment in Los Angeles after violent protests included vehicle explosions, highway takeovers, and projectiles thrown at law enforcement.
- Democratic lawmakers opposed the National Guard deployment, showcasing the political divide over immigration enforcement priorities.
- DHS officials defended the recent enforcement actions, criticizing California officials for “prioritizing criminals over citizen safety.”
Trump Tower Overtaken by Anti-ICE Protesters
Anti-ICE protesters stormed Trump Tower in Manhattan, leading to 24 arrests as law enforcement swiftly responded to the building invasion. The demonstrators refused to leave the premises while chanting “Bring Them Back” and reading names of illegal immigrants who had been deported to a prison facility in El Salvador. NYPD officers arrived equipped with plastic zip ties and quickly mobilized to manage the situation that had unfolded inside the iconic Fifth Avenue skyscraper. The building, which serves as both a Trump residence and business headquarters, became the latest flashpoint in escalating nationwide protests against immigration enforcement.
The NYPD’s Strategic Defense Unit detained approximately 20 protesters after allowing the demonstration to continue for roughly 40 minutes. Officers methodically restrained protesters with plastic ties before escorting them outside the building and placing them into waiting police vans. According to reports, protesters shouted slogans including “No ICE, No KKK, No Fascist USA” during their removal. While all participants in the Trump Tower demonstration were taken into custody, authorities have not yet specified what charges, if any, the protesters will face for their actions.
The Trump Tower incident was just one part of broader protest activities throughout New York City. Additional groups of demonstrators were active elsewhere in Manhattan, with one faction blocking traffic and another gathering outside courts in Lower Manhattan. These coordinated actions reflect the growing organizational sophistication of anti-immigration enforcement activists who have been galvanized by recent ICE operations across multiple states and the subsequent enforcement response from the Trump administration.
Violent Protests Erupt in Los Angeles
While New York’s demonstrations remained largely non-violent, Los Angeles became the epicenter of dangerous anti-ICE protests that quickly spiraled into chaos. The Los Angeles protests began after ICE operations in the region resulted in 45 arrests, including a Vietnamese illegal alien with a murder conviction. As demonstrations intensified, reports emerged of vehicles being set ablaze, demonstrators overtaking highways, and projectiles being hurled at law enforcement officers attempting to maintain order. The volatile situation prompted an unprecedented response from federal authorities.
“care more about violent murderers and sex offenders than they do about protecting their own citizens,” said Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary.
President Trump authorized the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to the escalating violence, a decision that immediately drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers who characterized it as executive overreach. The contentious move highlighted the stark political divide over immigration enforcement priorities, with the Trump administration emphasizing public safety concerns while opposition focused on procedural questions about federal intervention. Despite the criticism, National Guard units began arriving in Los Angeles to support local law enforcement in restoring order.
DHS Defends Enforcement Actions
Department of Homeland Security officials have strongly defended the recent enforcement operations that triggered the nationwide protests. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin specifically criticized California officials for what she described as prioritizing the interests of criminal illegal aliens over the safety of American citizens. The department emphasized that the Los Angeles operation had successfully removed dangerous individuals from communities, including those with convictions for serious offenses such as murder and sexual crimes against children.
“No ICE, No KKK, No Fascist USA,” stated protesters.
The ongoing protests reflect deepening national tensions regarding immigration policies and enforcement priorities. As demonstrations continue to spread across major American cities, law enforcement agencies are preparing for potential escalation while trying to balance public safety concerns with First Amendment protections. The Trump administration has signaled its commitment to continuing immigration enforcement operations despite the public backlash, underscoring the government’s position that removing criminal illegal aliens remains a critical national security and public safety priority regardless of activist opposition
