(Rightallegiance.com) – Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in lower Manhattan on June 12 to protest a series of recent ICE raids, igniting a confrontation that escalated into violence and property damage. What began as a peaceful sit-in in Foley Square turned turbulent, with protesters clashing with NYPD officers around federal immigration buildings—including the city’s main immigration court. According to police, bottles, traffic cones, and other objects were hurled at officers, resulting in dozens of arrests and at least one person charged with felony assault.
As the evening progressed, the unrest spilled over to Brooklyn, where a police parking lot near the 83rd Precinct in Bushwick went up in flames just after 1:30 a.m. Troopers responding to the scene found eight NYPD vehicles—six marked cruisers and two unmarked cars—completely destroyed in what police suspect was coordinated arson. Investigators also located undetonated explosive devices resembling large firecrackers near the burn site. Videos circulating online show masked individuals fleeing the scene, while some protesters expressed approval of the attacks. One man told the New York Post, “awesome… f‑king rad,” and urged, “Burn more police cars, set more sh‑t on fire”.
City officials, alarmed by the escalation, struck a firm tone. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized that peaceful protest is protected, but violence and property destruction would not be tolerated. Mayor Eric Adams warned that professional agitators—possibly from outside the city—were intent on destabilizing New York, promising those responsible “will be identified and removed”.
This wave of unrest comes amid a broader national backlash against recent federal immigration enforcement efforts. Waves of anti-ICE protests have spread from Los Angeles to cities across the country, including New York, Chicago, Seattle, and San Antonio. In Manhattan alone, another 86 people were arrested earlier in the week after clashes during a protest in Foley Square, many facing charges ranging from disorderly conduct to felony assault.
Although the majority of these demonstrations have remained peaceful, recent flashpoints—such as the Brooklyn arson and similar unrest in Los Angeles—have prompted growing concern about public safety. In L.A., similar anti-ICE protests turned violent earlier this month, featuring looting, fires, and more than 400 arrests, which ultimately led to curfews and National Guard deployment.
Back in New York, police have launched a thorough investigation into the Bushwick fire and the suspicious devices, bolstered by surveillance footage and witness statements. Mayor Adams reiterated that unlawful actions have no place on the city’s streets and insisted his administration would continue balancing the right to protest with maintaining public order.
As the nation watches, the coming days will be pivotal. Authorities are appealing for any footage or leads related to the arson, while plans for follow-up protests and counter-actions loom. To prevent further escalation, city officials have hinted at bolstering police presence near federal buildings and across neighborhoods impacted by the demonstrations.