Thousands March in Manhattan Against ICE Following Renee Good’s Death

Thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Midtown Manhattan on January 7, 2026, protesting against the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the administration of President Donald Trump. This massive demonstration, the largest in New York City since the killing of Renee Nicole Good, began around 13:00 at the corner of 60th Street and 5th Avenue. Participants gathered to voice their dissent against federal agents’ presence in the city and to seek accountability for the fatal shooting of Good by an ICE officer.

The peaceful assembly showcased a diverse crowd, including families and individuals who typically do not engage in protests. Many attendees carried homemade signs, played musical instruments, and displayed American flags, some turned upside down as a symbol of distress. As the march moved from Central Park through the city, demonstrators directed their frustrations toward Trump Tower, chanting slogans such as “No justice, no peace” and “No ICE.”

Voices of Protest Against Federal Policies

Among those addressing the crowd was Manolo De Los Santos from the People’s Forum, who spoke passionately about Good’s legacy. “Renee was killed by the state because she defended her neighbors. Her blood was shed in Minneapolis because she refused to stay silent,” he stated. The protest also highlighted broader concerns regarding the allocation of government resources. Activist Chris Dols criticized the funding of ICE, linking it to cuts in essential services like healthcare and emergency management. He emphasized that the financial support for ICE came at a significant cost to community welfare.

Notable elected officials joined the protest, including Jumaane Williams, the Public Advocate for New York City, and Alexa Avilés, the City Council member who chairs the Council’s Immigration Committee. Avilés expressed her determination, saying, “We are here to say not on our damn watch,” while underscoring the urgency of protecting immigrant rights.

Demonstrations have erupted nationwide in the wake of Good’s death, which occurred when an ICE agent shot her on a Minneapolis street. Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, labeled Good a “domestic terrorist,” claiming she charged at agents with her vehicle. However, this assertion has been contested by viral video evidence that contradicts Noem’s account.

The Impact of the March

As protesters made their way toward the New York Public Library and then onto Times Square, they commanded the attention of bystanders, many of whom paused to record the event on their phones. The scale of the march underscored a growing discontent with federal enforcement policies and the perception of systemic injustices.

The gathering not only served as a tribute to Renee Good but also as a rallying point for those advocating for the rights of immigrants across the United States. The response from the crowd and the participation of various community leaders reflect a heightened awareness and urgency regarding these issues, marking a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding immigration policies and civil rights in America.

As the march concluded peacefully, the participants left a lasting impression on the city, advocating for justice and accountability in the face of governmental actions they deem oppressive.