Overview
- Demonstrators formed a human barricade outside a Centre Street government garage on Nov. 29, temporarily preventing federal vehicles from exiting before police cleared a path.
- NYPD said it responded to a disorderly group, set up barricades and made multiple arrests for blocking streets and exits, with the crowd estimated at roughly 200 people.
- As vehicles left, scuffles erupted, debris was thrown and pepper spray was used; witness footage showed an occupant of a federal vehicle spraying an irritant toward protesters.
- DHS blamed social‑media calls for drawing “agitators” who obstructed officers, while the HSI New York chief apologized to Commissioner Jessica Tisch for how the operation unfolded.
- Elected officials rallied to support protesters and urge that charges be dropped; NYPD denied coordinating with federal agents, and reporting has not confirmed any ICE detentions.