A ferocious protest over federal immigration sweeps disrupted the New Orleans City Council meeting for about half an hour on Thursday, ending when police officers forced about 30 protesters from the council's chambers.

Council President JP Morrell opened the meeting by warning he would cut the mic on public comments unrelated to the agenda. He moved to suspend public comments a few minutes later when protestors demanded city officials declare city property “ICE-free” zones where Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are not allowed.

Pandemonium followed as protesters screamed at council members and New Orleans police officers staffing the meeting. As council members exited the dais, about a dozen additional officers entered and gradually forced protesters to leave the Perdido Stre

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