Overview
- Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Bushwick drew a large crowd late Saturday after ICE brought a detainee for evaluation, leading to hours of confrontations that peaked around 2 a.m. when agents left with the man.
- The Department of Homeland Security identified the detainee as Chidozie Wilson Okeke, a Nigerian national who overstayed a tourist visa, and said he was non-compliant during arrest and at the hospital after requesting medical care.
- NYPD officials said nine people were taken into custody, with eight arrested on charges such as resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, reckless endangerment, and criminal mischief.
- Videos and eyewitnesses described masked agents dragging a handcuffed man and carrying a large pepper-spray canister as officers pushed back protesters, while DHS said demonstrators damaged ICE vehicles and caused minor injuries to agents.
- The NYPD said it did not coordinate with ICE and responded to a disorderly crowd blocking emergency access, but witnesses and local officials alleged police aided the agents, prompting political criticism and calls for answers under the city’s sanctuary rules.