Federal immigration agents physically removed a Nigerian man from a Brooklyn hospital Saturday night as hundreds of protesters clashed with police outside, resulting in nine arrests and damaged patrol cars in a chaotic scene captured on video.

Dramatic Hospital Removal

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents carried Chidozie Wilson Okeke out of Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn around 10:30 PM on Saturday, dragging him to a black SUV while protesters swarmed the street. The Department of Homeland Security identified Okeke as a Nigerian national who overstayed a tourist visa that expired on February 26, 2024. DHS claims Okeke has previous arrests for assault and criminal drug possession on his record.

Violent Confrontation With Officers

According to the DHS spokesperson, agents attempted to arrest Okeke earlier Saturday when he allegedly refused to comply and tried to hit officers with his car. The agency claims Okeke became physically combative, attempting to punch and elbow ICE officers during the arrest. After requesting medical assistance, officers transported him to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center for evaluation. Medical staff cleared Okeke following the examination, but DHS reports he remained non-compliant throughout, throwing himself to the floor and screaming before agents removed him from the facility.

Street Chaos and Arrests

Anti-ICE protesters had gathered outside the medical center, creating a volatile situation as agents brought Okeke out. The crowd began berating officers and damaging property in the area. Physical confrontations erupted between protesters and law enforcement, with the entire street descending into bedlam. NYPD officers responded to the scene and arrested nine people. Eight of those arrested now face charges including resisting arrest, obstructing a governmental operation, and criminal mischief. DHS reported that protesters damaged police vehicles and assaulted officers, causing minor injuries.

What This Means

The incident highlights growing tensions around immigration enforcement operations in sanctuary cities like New York. Federal authorities continue executing arrests of individuals who have overstayed visas or face criminal charges, while activist groups organize resistance to these operations. The confrontation raises questions about the intersection of federal law enforcement authority, local hospital facilities, and public safety when large crowds interfere with lawful arrests.