The NYPD arrested two New York City councilmembers along with 16 others during a protest that broke out in defense of a well-respected immigration rights activist who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Thursday, January 11.
Dozens of friends and fellow activists of New Sanctuary Coalition of New York executive director, Ravi Ragbir, had convened outside of the Jacob Javits Federal Building in solidarity as he attended a routine check-in with federal authorities. They had planned to do a prayer walk before receiving him back, but after waiting for some time were alerted that he was being detained. The news quickly spread throughout the city and supporters came traveling in to rally for his release.
Several videos from the demonstration showed police officers moving in to take those practicing civil disobedience into custody. Among them were Councilmen Ydanis Rodriguez and Jumaane Williams. In a recording of Williams being cuffed, he is seen breathing heavily with anguish on his face as he is pinned down on the trunk of a vehicle by his arresting officer. When asked by a reporter whether he may have had anything to say, Williams replied: "Freedom. Resist. Freedom. Resist. We are going to resist!"
Ragbir migrated to the U.S. from Trinidad on a visitor's visa in 1991 and has been a permanent resident since 1994.
