Thousands March in New York to Protest ICE Killing and Denounce Trump
📅 January 12, 2026
✍️ Editor: Sudhir Choudhary, The Vagabond News
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of New York City this weekend in a large-scale protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the administration of President Donald Trump, following widespread national outrage over the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The demonstration, one of the largest in the city in recent days, underscored deep divisions over federal immigration enforcement policies and renewed criticism of the White House’s hardline approach.
Organised under the banner “ICE Out for Good,” the march began near Central Park and wound through Midtown Manhattan, including Fifth Avenue and past Trump Tower, where chants against both ICE and the president echoed through the streets. Participants carried handmade signs, played musical instruments, and called for an end to aggressive immigration enforcement.
Sparked by Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis
The protest was catalysed by the fatal shooting earlier this month of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot by an ICE officer during a federal immigration sweep in Minneapolis. Local officials have challenged the federal account of the incident, citing bystander video and calling for independent investigation and accountability. Nationwide demonstrations have since erupted in cities including Minneapolis, Boston, Philadelphia and San Francisco.
In New York, the mood was resolute, with protesters from diverse backgrounds — including families with children and senior citizens — urging federal authorities to halt ICE operations and demanding that the officer involved be held responsible. Chants of “No justice, no peace,” and “No ICE!” resounded through the crowd.
Political Leaders Join the Demonstrations
A number of elected officials marched alongside demonstrators, adding political weight to the event. Among those participating were New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, former City Comptroller Brad Lander, and City Council Member Alexa Avilés, chair of the Council’s Immigration Committee. Avilés described the protest as a stand against what she characterised as an increasingly repressive federal posture on immigration.
In remarks to the media, Avilés said: “We are here to fight. We are here while Trump and his fascist goons are coming after immigrants across this country. We are here to say not on our watch.”
Broader National Movement
The New York protest took place against the backdrop of a nationwide mobilisation. Organisers reported that more than 1,000 rallies were held across the United States over the weekend, reflecting broad discontent over the incident in Minneapolis and federal immigration practices more generally. Demonstrations have included both peaceful marches and episodes of tension, including property damage and clashes with law enforcement in some cities.
Minnesota officials have called for an independent and transparent investigation into Good’s death, while federal authorities, including Department of Homeland Security leadership, have defended the officer’s actions as self-defense. The Department of Homeland Security has also announced plans to send additional federal agents to Minneapolis amid ongoing unrest.
Voices from the Streets
Protesters expressed a range of grievances beyond the immediate circumstances of the Minneapolis shooting. Many criticised broader immigration enforcement policies under President Donald Trump’s administration and called for systemic reform or abolition of ICE. Others expressed solidarity with migrant communities across the United States, decrying what they described as violence and fear instilled by federal agents.
Despite strong rhetoric, the New York march remained largely peaceful, with law enforcement monitoring the route and facilitating the demonstration. Participants emphasised unity and the right to protest, framing their actions as both a moral and civic response to perceived injustices.
Looking Ahead
As demonstrations continue across the country, political leaders and civil rights organisations are pressing for answers and accountability, demanding that federal investigations be conducted transparently and independently. The controversy has also reinvigorated debates within Congress over the scope and oversight of immigration enforcement, with some lawmakers threatening budgetary consequences for ICE and related agencies.
For many observers, the protests reflect not only anger over a specific incident, but a broader clash over federal power, civil liberties, and America’s approach to immigration in a deeply polarized political environment.
Tags: Immigration Enforcement, ICE, Protests, New York City, Renee Good, President Donald Trump, National Unrest
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