A prominent tech firm based in New York City has withdrawn nine federal government vehicles from a parking garage it leases in Greenwich Village after a spirited protest against ICE took place there last week.
Metropolis, the company in question, decided to remove the federally-owned vehicles from its garage located at 18-20 Morton Street. This decision followed an incident on May 14 when numerous activists gathered outside the site, blocking traffic and making noise with cowbells while unfurling a large banner stating, “ICE parks here,” as reported by Gothamist.
“Upon learning that these nine vehicles were parked there temporarily, we promptly took steps to have them removed,” company spokesperson Elizabeth Levitan informed the publication.
The protest was spearheaded by the group Chelsea Neighbors United, which had previously spotted a federal vehicle parked at Pier 40, a location known for its long-standing agreement with ICE for vehicle use.
On Instagram, the group shared, “Demonstrators block Morton Street in Greenwich Village protesting the Metropolis Parking Garage for renting spaces to The Department of Homeland Security for ICE vehicles.”
Protesters urged local parking facilities to “Avoid Collaborating With ICE” and advocated for making New York City a “safe and welcoming city for immigrants and everyone.”
It is unclear if the booted vehicles were being used by ICE or other federal government agencies.
Protesters have targeted city parking locations in the past in an attempt to block vehicles that have been used to arrest illegal immigrants for deportation — including a rowdy demonstration at another Lower Manhattan garage in November that saw 150 activists clash with NYPD cops.
Reps for Metropolis and ICE did not respond to requests for comment from The Post Thursday.
