Immigration protest in Trump Tower lobby ends in arrests

MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- A protest at Trump Tower against President Trump's immigration policies ended with arrests Thursday.

Over 30 demonstrators with the group 'Rise and Resist NYC' gathered in the building's lobby to protest the policy of extreme vetting for immigrants.

The group was asked to leave, and when they refused, 25 were arrested, some having to be carried out.

The lobby of Trump Tower was temporarily closed to the public until the protesters could be removed.

Many of the demonstrators were in their 50's and 60's, and possibly older.

Postings on Twitter and elsewhere show protesters unfurling a large banner that reads "No Raids" from the second floor of the building's atrium on Thursday afternoon

A video also shows a sit-in on the marble floor near a bank of elevators. Demonstrators held signs saying "No Ban" and No Wall."

The New York Police Department and Secret Service have beefed up security at Trump Tower since the president's election, but the atrium remains open to the public.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)