NOTE: VIDEO at the end of the article.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a stern warning Monday following violent protests in Los Angeles sparked by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Speaking at a press conference, Adams emphasized that while peaceful protest is protected, violence will not be tolerated in New York City.
“Keeping the people of our city safe has always been my North Star,” Adams said. “That means protecting the right to protest peacefully, but also ensuring that violence and lawlessness never gain a foothold in our communities.”
His comments came after President Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles to address unrest surrounding federal immigration enforcement actions. Adams said that any attempt to replicate the violence seen in California would be “unacceptable” in New York.
“We have the best police department in the world,” Adams added. “Our officers are trained and prepared to manage public demonstrations safely and legally.”
The mayor’s remarks followed a sit-in protest at Trump Tower on Monday afternoon, where about two dozen demonstrators were arrested. Protesters sat in the lobby chanting “bring them back” in opposition to ICE deportations to El Salvador. NYPD officers escorted them out in zip ties, but no violence or injuries were reported.
One arrested protester called ICE’s actions “illegal and unconstitutional,” accusing the agency of denying due process to those being deported.
Additional arrests took place at Foley Square, where protesters gathered to condemn federal immigration policies.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch echoed the mayor’s stance, making clear that while the department respects the right to protest, violence will be dealt with swiftly.
“As a matter of city law, we do not engage in civil immigration enforcement, period,” Tisch said. “But let me be clear—we have zero tolerance for violence, property damage, or people blocking entrances or streets.”
Tisch emphasized that any attacks on law enforcement would be met with a “swift and decisive response.”
She added that NYPD has extensive experience policing protests legally and effectively, and that full department resources are available if unrest were to occur.
Civil rights attorney Norman Siegel urged protesters to know their rights. “You can be on public sidewalks without a permit,” he explained, “but if you enter the street, block traffic, or obstruct entrances, you need one.”
As demonstrations continue, city officials remain firm: protest is a right, but violence will not be allowed.
PLAY:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9eniPY2FO7g
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
