Over 80 arrested in New York as anti-immigration protests turn violent Courts tasked to speed up deportations / VIDEO

More than 80 people were arrested in New York City after protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies descended into chaos, the New York Post reported, citing law enforcement sources.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside City Hall to denounce the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), both in the city and nationwide. The initially peaceful protest escalated into violent clashes with police as night fell.

According to eyewitness accounts, many protesters wore masks and shouted insults at officers, throwing water bottles and other objects. Barricades were torn down amid the unrest. Police used pepper spray on several occasions in an effort to disperse the crowd.

Authorities confirmed that more than 80 individuals were taken into custody in the city’s central districts. Most face charges related to disturbing public order.

The demonstrations come amid growing criticism of the Trump administration’s latest directives targeting migrants.

Over 80 arrested during chaotic NYC anti-ICE protest @anadoluagency pic.twitter.com/HTF11Y84RK

— L. Vural Elibol (@vuralelibol) June 11, 2025

As the newspaper writes, earlier the city's mayor, Eric Adams, condemned the ongoing unrest across the country, calling the escalation of protests unacceptable.

He noted that New York authorities will not tolerate such things in their city. Adams warned citizens not to follow the example of California residents who take to the streets and clash with the police.

Meanwhile, an internal Justice Department memo obtained by NBC News has revealed that immigration courts have been instructed to fast-track case closures to accelerate deportations.

The memo advises immigration judges—who fall under the authority of the executive branch—to grant verbal motions from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attorneys to dismiss cases without delay. Judges are urged to issue rulings on the same day as hearings, bypassing the standard 10-day response period.

Once a case is closed, migrants are to be immediately taken into custody, according to the memo. NBC News reports that individuals placed under this expedited process are subject to swift removal from the country, without the opportunity to request asylum.

Despite concerns from immigrant advocates, sources within the immigration judiciary maintain that the administration's instructions do not violate existing laws.

By Khagan Isayev