Protesters opposing guns and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are facing accusations of breaking the law and leaving a visible imprint on New York City.
On Wednesday, a group demonstrating against ICE blocked entrances to the Brooklyn Bridge, bringing traffic to a standstill and creating long delays for drivers.
Separately, a man has been charged with allegedly spray-painting over the names of 9/11 victims at the National September 11 Memorial.
The incidents unfolded in New York City this week as city officials have yet to publicly address either confrontation.
Police carry away an anti-ICE protester at the Brooklyn Bridge. (REUTERS/David ‘Dee’ Delgado TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)
The anti-ICE demonstration angered commuters caught in the resulting gridlock. Video showed drivers urging the protesters to clear a path so they could cross the bridge and get to work.
“I just want to get to work!” one driver could be heard saying.
A driver trapped behind the Brooklyn Bridge demonstration pleaded, “I just want to go to work.” (FNTV)
Protesters reportedly used a megaphone to chant, “NYPD, K-K-K, I-C-E, THEY’RE ALL THE SAME!”
Another demonstrator called out, “Free Oscar Bergal,” referring to the recent ICE arrest of the Dominican national, whose detention was followed by a shooting in Manhattan’s Marble Hill neighborhood earlier this month.
Protesters block the Brooklyn Bridge during a demonstration against a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shooting in New York City, US, Oct. 28, 2026. (REUTERS/David ‘Dee’ Delgado)
Officers eventually moved in, arresting the demonstrators and clearing the roadway.
The disruption began around 12:30 p.m. and lasted roughly an hour, with the protesters arrested and removed by about 1:30 p.m., according to ABC7.
An anti-ICE protester stops traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge. (REUTERS/David ‘Dee’ Delgado)
The NYPD told News Media that 14 people were taken into custody. No injuries were reported.
News Media has requested a response from the mayor’s office.
Port Authority Police told News Media that Johnathan Tijerina, 31, was arrested after allegedly defacing the 9/11 Memorial earlier this week.
Authorities say red paint was sprayed across several engraved victim names on Monday alongside the message, “just stop killing kids.”
Flowers and American flags sit beside names engraved at a reflecting pool at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum on Sept. 11, 2026, in New York City, as the nation marked the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. (Jeenah Moon – Pool/Getty Images)
The suspect was seen in his own self-recorded video spray painting the memorial; his organization “Just Stop Killing Kids” shared the video.
In another post the organization wrote:
“On October 26, 2026, Jon Tijerina was arrested for spraying red paint on Freedom Tower in NYC. He is demanding that Trump and Mamdani enforce common-sense, highly popular demands with respect to guns such as Universal Background Checks and a National Gun Registry.”
A spokesperson for the 9/11 Memorial & Museum told News Media that security personnel and law enforcement responded quickly and restored the affected area.
“The 9/11 Memorial is a sacred place of reflection at the heart of a rebuilt World Trade Center that honors the 2,983 victims killed in the September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993 terrorist attacks,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “This brief incident was swiftly addressed by security staff and law enforcement, and the impacted area was immediately restored to its commemorative state.”