Over a Dozen Anti-ICE Protesters Arrested Near Columbia University

Demonstrators blocked the main entrance, defying NYPD orders for 20 minutes

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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More than a dozen anti-immigration enforcement protesters were arrested near Columbia University in New York City after allegedly blocking the school's main entrance and refusing to leave for about 20 minutes, despite multiple orders from the NYPD to disperse. The protesters were wearing black t-shirts that read "Sanctuary Campus Now" and "ICE Off Campus."

Why it matters

The arrests highlight ongoing tensions between anti-ICE activists and law enforcement, particularly near college campuses, where protesters have accused universities of cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Columbia University has stated it requires ICE agents to have a judicial warrant to access non-public areas of the campus.

The details

According to the NYPD, 13 protesters were taken into custody and issued criminal court summons after blocking the main entrance to Columbia University and refusing to leave for about 20 minutes, despite multiple orders to disperse. The protesters were wearing black t-shirts with slogans opposing ICE and the university's policies regarding federal immigration agents.

  • The incident occurred around 1:30 pm local time on Thursday, February 27, 2026.

The players

NYPD

The New York City Police Department that responded to the protest and arrested the demonstrators.

Columbia University

The university near where the protest took place, which has stated it requires ICE agents to have a judicial warrant to access non-public areas of the campus.

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What they’re saying

“To be clear, the University requires ICE to have a judicial warrant to access non-public areas, such as classrooms, housing, and other areas requiring a Columbia University ID. An administrative warrant is not sufficient to access non-public areas of the University. We have a clear protocol for potential visits from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents, which are publicly available on our website.”

— Columbia University (Columbia University website)

What’s next

The arrested protesters will likely face criminal court summons, and the university has stated it supports the right to peacefully protest but claims the protesters' assertions about its policies were "factually incorrect."

The takeaway

This incident reflects the ongoing tensions between anti-ICE activists and law enforcement, particularly near college campuses where protesters have accused universities of cooperating with federal immigration authorities. The arrests highlight the challenges universities face in balancing free speech rights with maintaining order and security on their campuses.