NEW YORK (AP) — An immigration enforcement sweep targeting vendors on New York City’s famed Canal Street turned chaotic on Tuesday. Federal agents were confronted by large crowds of bystanders and protesters attempting to block the operation.
The scene unfolded along a bustling commercial corridor known for its vibrant market of counterfeit goods, including designer handbags, sunglasses, and electronics.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the operation aimed to curb the sale of counterfeit items but quickly escalated. They reported that “rioters who were shouting obscenities” obstructed law enforcement efforts by blocking vehicles and allegedly assaulting officers.
At approximately 4 p.m., an Associated Press journalist witnessed federal agents making arrests, including one vendor believed to be selling smartphone cases. Following this, protesters encircled the masked officers, chanting “ICE out of New York” and attempting to prevent them from leaving the area.
Federal agents from ICE and other offices were reported pushing protesters to the ground and threatening to use pepper spray. Several protesters were detained amid the chaos, leading to further confrontations.
As tensions escalated, some agents withdrew on foot, followed by a large number of protesters and honking cars. Additional federal agents, equipped with military gear and a BearCat vehicle, arrived on the scene to assist in making more arrests.
At least one protester was reported arrested for assaulting an officer, although the number of vendors detained remains unclear, according to the DHS spokesperson.
In response to the incident, New York City Mayor Eric Adams stated that the city had no involvement in the federal operation and emphasized that resources should focus on violent criminals rather than targeting undocumented individuals pursuing their dreams in New York.
This operation followed two days after a conservative influencer posted a video on social media, urging ICE to inspect the street vendor area.
