New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other local officials have condemned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after federal officers dragged a man from a hospital in Brooklyn, sparking clashes between protesters and police.
The incident on Saturday night outside Wyckoff Heights Medical Center began when ICE agents brought in Chidozie Wilson Okeke, a Nigerian national, for evaluation following an arrest. The Department of Homeland Security said Okeke had overstayed a tourist visa and had prior arrests for assault and drug possession.
During the arrest, Okeke allegedly refused to comply, leading to a physical struggle. After requesting medical attention, he was taken to the hospital, where a crowd of around 200 gathered. Police responded to reports of disorderly groups obstructing traffic and emergency exits, arresting eight people on charges including resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.
Video footage shows ICE agents dragging Okeke from the hospital in handcuffs and placing him in a vehicle, as protesters clashed with officers. The NYPD stated it had no prior knowledge of the ICE operation and only responded to 911 calls about the protest.
City council member Sandy Nurse questioned whether the NYPD’s actions violated the city’s sanctuary laws, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. “If it does violate, then there needs to be accountability,” she said.
Mayor Mamdani insisted there was no coordination between the NYPD and ICE, adding: “Our laws leave nothing, no room for interpretation.”
