NYC Council Member Chi Ossé Arrested At Brooklyn Eviction Protest

The chain of events that led to this arrest began with the end of pandemic-era protections that had paused most evictions. That pause left a backlog of housing cases and put tenants at greater risk as the city resumed normal court scheduling. Rising rents and limited affordable housing fueled protests by tenants and advocacy groups aimed at stopping evictions on the street and in court.

Those tenant actions have become common in Brooklyn and other boroughs. Organizers and supporters often try to physically block eviction crews or court marshals. Police and city officials have frequently moved in to enforce evictions, and clashes between protesters and law enforcement have sometimes led to arrests.

Chi Ossé, a member of the New York City Council described as an ally of Mamdani, joined a Brooklyn eviction protest and was taken into custody during the demonstration. Video circulating online shows officers detaining him as activists sought to prevent the eviction. The footage has been widely shared and replayed on social media.

The arrest adds to ongoing debate about how the city handles housing instability and protest tactics. It highlights the tensions between elected officials backing tenant actions and authorities charged with enforcing court-ordered evictions as the city continues to work through a large number of eviction cases.