Brooklyn Protests After ICE Removes Man from Hospital

Federal immigration agents forcibly removed Chidozie Wilson Okeke, a Nigerian national accused of overstaying his tourist visa, from Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood early Sunday, sparking hours-long protests that resulted in multiple injuries and at least eight arrests.

The incident unfolded after agents arrested Okeke on Saturday during a targeted enforcement operation. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Okeke, who entered the United States on a tourist visa in August 2023 that expired in February 2024, had prior arrests for assault and criminal drug possession. Officials said he refused commands to exit his vehicle, attempted to strike agents with it and became physically combative, prompting the use of minimum force necessary for detention. Okeke requested medical attention and was taken to the hospital for evaluation, where he again grew combative before being discharged around 2:15 a.m. Sunday. Video footage shows two agents dragging the handcuffed man down a short staircase and across pavement into a waiting vehicle as police held back a crowd of demonstrators outside.

As many as 200 protesters gathered late Saturday,...