Thousands march in Manhattan demanding an end to ICE operations

Thousands of protesters marched in Manhattan on Saturday, days after midterm elections that brought a wave of Democratic victories across the country. Local advocates and other New Yorkers filled streets in Midtown and Times Square. They called for an end to ICE operations in New York City and demanded accountability from the Trump administration and newly elected members of Congress. Demonstrators said they were protesting what they described as the president's crackdown on immigrant communities.

Leonel López, an organizer with VOCAL-NY, said people needed to make their presence felt and show their force. Travis Morales of the group Refuse Fascism called for ICE operations to end nationwide, saying the agency is brutalizing and murdering people.

Shelby Drescher, an advocate with Broadway Democrats, described the march as both a celebration of the election results and a reminder to incoming lawmakers that they are being watched. She said her priorities include healthcare, support for working parents and an end to ICE operations on city streets, and she urged people to call their representatives. López said organizing would continue after the election.

New York City police were present to help keep the crowds safe. After the elections, President Donald Trump has said he is willing to work with Democrats for the benefit of the country. The story was originally reported by NBC New York.