A Fourth of July protester who held police at bay for hours after she climbed the base of New York City's Statue of Liberty, causing an evacuation, is set to face a judge in New York.

A federal official said the woman, identified as Therese Okoumou, told police she was protesting against the separation of immigrant children from parents who cross the US-Mexico border illegally.

A court appearance is expected some time on Thursday.

The group which organised a protest at the statue earlier on Wednesday said she also took part in unfurling a banner at the statue's pedestal.

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