Thousands of NYC protesters march against ICE ‘in solidarity with Minnesota’

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Manhattan on Friday, January 23, 2026, to demonstrate against a recent federal immigration crackdown. The demonstrations coincided with ongoing protests in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by federal officers two weeks prior.

Demonstrations in New York City

Approximately 3,000 demonstrators, representing over 70 organizations, began gathering at Union Square around 4 p.m. before marching through downtown Manhattan and ultimately concluding at Madison Square Park. Along the route, protesters targeted businesses—including Amazon, Home Depot, and Palantir—deemed supportive of the current administration.

Did You Know? The protest was part of a larger “National Day of Truth & Freedom — Solidarity With Minnesota,” highlighting the interconnectedness of these demonstrations.

The protests reflect widespread outrage over tactics employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the death of Renee Good. Specifically, protesters cited the detention of a 5-year-old boy, despite his family’s legal asylum claim, as an example of these tactics.

Voices from the Protest

Micah Walsh, a 39-year-old tour guide from Queens, expressed concern for communities impacted by the crackdown, stating, “We’re watching our neighbors being kidnapped and families being separated.” Walsh also noted a personal connection to the events, having grown up in Minnesota.

Chrystalleni Stivaros, a 33-year-old teacher from Manhattan, voiced strong condemnation of the treatment of children, saying, “Compassion shouldn’t be radical… I’m watching you arrest a baby with a Spider-Man backpack and a bunny hat. It’s disgusting.”

Marina Metalios, a 63-year-old tenant organizer, emphasized the historical role of immigrants in New York City, stating, “We’re a multiracial and multicultural city… Immigrants are why I love New York.”

Expert Insight: Demonstrations like these often serve as a critical pressure point, signaling to policymakers the depth and breadth of public concern regarding immigration policies and enforcement practices. The coordinated nature of the protests, extending from New York to Minneapolis, suggests a growing national movement.

A smaller demonstration, involving approximately 40 college students, took place earlier in Washington Square Park under the banner “ICE Out, No To Slave Patrol 2.0.” Saniyah Yolanda, a 21-year-old student from SUNY Albany, explained that the escalation of student walkouts was prompted by the deaths of Renee Good and Keith Porter.

The Department of Homeland Security stated that Keith Porter was killed by an off-duty ICE agent after allegedly pointing a rifle at the agent. Porter’s family maintains he was firing celebratory shots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the protests in New York City?

The protests were in response to a federal immigration crackdown and to express solidarity with demonstrations in Minneapolis following the death of Renee Good.

Which businesses were targeted during the march?

Protesters stopped outside the storefronts and corporate offices of Amazon, Home Depot, and Palantir, identifying them as allies of the current administration.

What was the connection between the protests in New York and Minneapolis?

The New York protest was part of a “National Day of Truth & Freedom — Solidarity With Minnesota,” demonstrating support for the Minneapolis protests and highlighting the broader issue of ICE tactics.

How might these demonstrations influence future immigration policy?