NYPD COMMISSIONER JESSICA TISCH BLASTED THE FEDS FOR PUTTING HER OFFICERS IN HARM'S WAY

ICE protesters clash with cops at NYC government building after reports of agents rounding up illegal migrants 

 

By Jennifer Bain and Rich Calder 

 

New York Post

Nov 29, 2025

 

 

More than 150 anti-ICE protestors descended on a lower Manhattan government building Saturday and clashed with police after reports that federal agents are planning to round up illegal migrants in the area later this weekend. 

 

Hundreds of rabid anti-ICE protesters clashed with cops in New York City on Saturday — with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch blasting the feds for putting her officers in harm’s way, according to sources.

The angry demonstrators shouting “ICE out of New York” descended on a parking garage in Lower Manhattan, where dozens of federal agents had gathered inside to prepare for an apparent immigration raid, the NYPD said.

 

At least two protesters were arrested during the clash. 

 

Cops responded to the chaotic scene near the US General Services Administration building on Centre Street after receiving a 911 call about more than 150 protestors blocking traffic and access to the garage. 

The agitators were spotted trying to climb the garage’s grated windows – only to be dragged off by cops – while others chanted “ICE out of New York! ICE out now!”

“There were people climbing up trying to see who ICE had inside,” recalled one protestor. “They were arresting people for no reason.”

Some of the demonstrators even lifted and threw planters and police barricades towards NYPD officers, sources said.

The mob also shouted expletives at authorities and screamed “you are corrupt!” — ignoring pleas from cops to “back up” behind the barricades they set up.

 

Cops were called after protesters were blocking access to a garage near a building at Centre Street. 

 

Some screamed “f—k you!” and gave the middle finger to a person in a van trying to drive along the strip. They ran away after being confronted by cops.

At least 18 anti-ICE agitators were arrested for obstructing government administration and disorderly conduct, according to the NYPD. No injuries were reported.

 

People were blocking traffic with reports of individuals also throwing and pushing barriers toward police.

One tourist at the scene claimed both sides were “pretty aggressive.” 

 

Hours later, Christopher Raia, who runs the FBI’s New York office, called Tisch with Special Agent Ricky Patel, the head of Homeland Security Investigations in Newark, to apologize over the confrontation between cops and protestors, sources told The Post.

Tisch – who announced earlier this month she’ll remain the top cop next year under Mayor-elect and longtime ICE critic Zohran Mamdani – gave both men an earful, telling them what happened was “unacceptable,” the sources said.

 

The incident took place a week after an illegal immigrant was arrested by ICE agents in Chinatown for allegedly selling counterfeit merchandise.

 

Tisch also warned them that such shows of force by immigration officers are putting the feds, NYPD cops and the public at risk — and that it must end before people get seriously hurt, the sources added.

An Australian tourist who witnessed the bedlam described both sides as “pretty aggressive.”

“A lot of people were shoved to the ground,” she said.

The incident came a week after an illegal immigrant allegedly selling counterfeit merchandise on Canal Street in Chinatown was arrested by ICE agents.

Mamdani – who has been critical of ICE’s expanded raids nationwide — met at the White House with President Trump a day earlier in what both called a “productive” meeting.

Still, some passersby blamed cops for not letting the protestors do what they wanted.

“It’s not right what they’re doing,” said Peter Suh of New Jersey, who was visiting NYC with his family. “People should be left alone to protest.”