Five people were arrested Saturday in Lower Manhattan as nearly 100 protesters attempted to block federal immigration officers, authorities said.
The demonstrators gathered outside 26 Federal Plaza, where the U.S. Immigration Court is located, cursing at officers and hurling objects while obstructing an unmarked white van. “Back up, back up!” Department of Homeland Security officers shouted while pushing back the crowd, according to footage.
Protesters placed traffic cones, metal barricades, and even a dresser in the street to block the van. One man’s face was revealed when officers removed his mask during arrest. A woman wearing goggles and a face mask was seen crying as police detained her.
The van eventually drove off after about two minutes, but clashes continued between nearly 40 federal and NYPD officers and demonstrators.
“All five arrested were issued summonses,” an NYPD spokesperson said, noting officers had responded to a 911 call regarding a disorderly group.
The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have not commented on the incident.