NYC Mayor Adams Warns Against Nationwide Anti-ICE Protest Violence

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has issued a stern warning to protesters, particularly those involved in recent anti-ICE demonstrations, emphasizing that while peaceful protests are permitted, any attempts to destroy the city or harm innocent people will not be tolerated. Over 80 individuals were arrested during a chaotic protest in Lower Manhattan, where some participants threw objects and blocked entrances to federal buildings. Adams accused 'outside agitators,' including members of Antifa, of infiltrating protests to provoke disorder and disrupt law enforcement, drawing parallels to similar tactics used during protests at Columbia University. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch affirmed the NYPD's commitment to maintaining order through specialized units and swift action against lawbreakers. Adams stressed that officers receive extensive training and are fully equipped to handle unrest, underscoring his refusal to take shortcuts in ensuring public safety amid nationwide protests sparked by events in Los Angeles. The mayor highlighted the dangers of major disorder, including potential property damage and loss of life, reinforcing his administration's zero-tolerance approach to violence and destruction.