Filmmaker Spike Lee is already envisioning a New York Knicks championship parade — and he has a firm message about who isn’t invited.
The Academy Award-winning director and longtime Knicks superfan wants ICE agents to steer clear of any celebration if the team wins the NBA Finals. The Knicks lead the San Antonio Spurs 2-1 in the series.
Speaking with Andscape columnist William C. Rhoden, Mr. Lee described a jubilant city in the aftermath of a potential title. “It’s going to be a love fest,” he said, “and people gonna be hugging and kissing each other. Total strangers. You know what? But we’re New Yorkers. That’s the bomb. I’m telling you, it’s going to happen.”
Mr. Lee then made his conditions explicit.
“When we win, whether it’s home or away, there’s going to be such — it’s going to be bananas,” he said. “It’s going to be craziness. It’s going to be love. And NYPD can’t control that. The Marines, National Guard — just don’t bring in the motherf—-ing ICE. No ICE. I’ve said this more than once. ICE is not welcome.”
Border czar Tom Homan’s comments came the same day. The White House border czar said on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” that New York would see the largest-ever deployment of ICE officers, citing the state’s resistance to federal immigration enforcement.
“You are going to see more ICE agents than you have ever seen in New York City,” Mr. Homan said. “I just reviewed an operational plan. I’m not going to tell you exactly when it’s going to happen, but it’s coming.”
Eight World Cup matches are scheduled for the New York area beginning Saturday.
Mr. Lee made the comments after Game 3, which saw the Spurs pull out a victory despite the Knicks having taken a 2-0 series lead. President Trump also attended the game at Madison Square Garden, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game.
The night’s events were not limited to the arena. At least 21 people were arrested following Game 3 after some fans spilled out of a watch party at Manhattan’s Bryant Park and onto 42nd Street, where several allegedly turned violent. Of those taken into custody, eight were arrested and charged, while the others were released with criminal court summonses. Two people were charged with assaulting an officer, and five members of the NYPD were injured.
The watch party had been relocated to Bryant Park after the NYPD and the Secret Service decided not to permit one outside Madison Square Garden. During the conference finals the previous month, the NYPD had announced it would not support watch parties outside the arena, citing “very rough” crowds as a public safety threat — a decision that was later reversed after the Knicks reached the Finals for the first time since 1999.
Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry condemned the disorder.
“Last night was another shameful display from individuals who are more interested in brawling with each other, ripping up street signs and hurling objects at cops than supporting their team,” Mr. Hendry said. “Police officers shouldn’t have to endure a barrage of mayhem after every single game.”
Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
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