On Tuesday afternoon, ICE agents conducted a targeted operation in Manhattan’s Chinatown on Canal Street, arresting multiple individuals including illegal street vendors and protesters. The New York Police Department later stated on social media that they were not involved in this federal operation.
Around 4 pm, a large number of masked ICE law enforcement officers were seen on Canal Street. This area is typically crowded with vendors selling counterfeit designer bags and other goods. Upon ICE’s arrival, the vendors quickly packed up their merchandise and attempted to flee the area.
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin stated in a release that ICE and federal partners conducted “targeted, intelligence-driven enforcement actions” focusing on criminal activities related to counterfeit goods sales. At least one “thug” was arrested for assaulting federal officers, with McLaughlin mentioning that during the operation, these individuals became loud, violent, obstructed law enforcement officers, including blocking vehicles and attacking them.
Some vendors tried to escape, with a few falling as agents approached; around 5 vendors were detained after their identities were checked. During the arrest of one vendor, onlookers became angry, yelling and shouting insults at ICE agents, calling them Nazis and fascists. In response, the agents pushed these individuals to the ground. It was reported that the agents then used batons and riot shields to strike some protesters. The exact number of arrests, including both vendors and protesters handcuffed, remains unclear.
The day before, a video from a female blogger circulating on social media claimed that Canal Street was full of immigrant sellers offering counterfeit goods, suggesting that ICE should investigate the area. It is unknown if ICE’s operation was related to this video.
On Tuesday afternoon, the New York Police Department (NYPD) clarified on social media that they were not involved in the federal operation on Canal Street.
Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani criticized the raid in a statement on social media, describing it as “another authoritarian, fear-mongering move by the Trump administration that prioritizes creating fear over ensuring safety. This practice must end.”
An ICE representative has not yet provided any comments to the media.