Dozens arrested in Manhattan Hilton protest over alleged ICE presence

Dozens of protesters were arrested Tuesday evening after staging a sit-in at the Hilton Garden Inn in Tribeca, Manhattan , alleging that the hotel was housing federal immigration officers. Demonstrators packed the hotel lobby wearing shirts that read “Hilton houses ICE” and called on the hotel to stop accommodating federal agents. Police repeatedly ordered the crowd to disperse before making arrests. At least 40 people were detained , though official NYPD figures have not yet been released.

It remains unconfirmed whether Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were staying at the hotel , and a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security declined to provide details. Hotel staff also declined to comment, and Hilton’s press office did not respond to inquiries. After the arrests, the hotel lobby was cleared, and police maintained a presence outside the building to ensure the situation remained under control. Observers reported that while some crowds remained outside briefly, the main sit-in protest had ended .

The demonstration reflects growing national opposition to the federal government’s recent large-scale immigration enforcement operations , which have sparked widespread protests and public outcry. Earlier this month, enforcement actions in Minneapolis were linked to the deaths of two individuals , intensifying anger and calls for accountability. Activists argue that these operations are excessively aggressive, lack transparency, and endanger communities, while supporters contend that enforcement is necessary to uphold immigration laws.

The protest in Manhattan mirrors similar demonstrations across the country, with participants emphasizing solidarity with affected immigrant communities and demanding greater accountability and limits on federal immigration enforcement . Local civil rights groups, immigrant advocates, and some corporate figures have criticized ICE’s tactics, citing concerns over safety, due process, and transparency.

The controversy highlights a broader debate over federal immigration policy , the role of ICE, and the responsibilities of private businesses in accommodating federal agents. While the sit-in at the Hilton Garden Inn has concluded, the broader tension over immigration enforcement and public opposition continues nationwide.