More than 30 demonstrators occupied Trump Tower’s public atrium, reading names of 45 people they claim died during federal immigration enforcement actions.

Peaceful Demonstration in Midtown Manhattan

The protesters gathered around 1 p.m. inside the Fifth Avenue tower, holding photographs and calling out the names of individuals they say lost their lives in ICE custody or during enforcement operations. Jamie Bauer, a 67-year-old organizer with Rise and Resist, explained the group stood in the public atrium reading each name followed by the question “How many more have to die?” The demonstration lasted exactly 90 minutes as planned.

Anti-ICE Protesters Occupy Trump Tower Lobby in NYC, Chanting "How Many More Have to Dıe?"pic.twitter.com/ik3flLHMP3

— TaraBull (@TaraBull) January 31, 2026

Security personnel from Trump Tower and NYPD officers observed the gathering but made no arrests or attempts to remove the protesters. The group left voluntarily after their predetermined time limit. Demonstrators chanted “Abolish ICE” approximately five times during the event, with each participant making brief personal statements about their presence at the tower.

Claims Against Federal Immigration Policy

One protester directly challenged current administration messaging, calling the phrase “going after the worst of the worst” a deliberate falsehood. The demonstration occurred amid ongoing national debates over Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and calls for agency reforms or elimination. Rise and Resist NYC organized the peaceful protest, which concluded without incident or law enforcement intervention.

NOW: "How many more have to die?" Anti-ICE protesters chant as they OCCUPIED Trump Tower in NYC this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/tgb21jSV2y

— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) January 31, 2026

Constitutional Rights and Public Spaces

The protesters exercised their First Amendment rights in a designated public space within the privately-owned building. Trump Tower’s atrium remains open to the public, allowing for lawful assembly and peaceful expression. This demonstration reflects broader tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement policies and growing activist movements seeking policy changes through constitutional means of protest and public advocacy.