Protests Erupt Following Immigration Enforcement Operations on Canal Street

Fri Oct 24 2025 22:50:37 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Federal authorities arrest 14 during immigration enforcement operations in Manhattan's Canal Street, prompting widespread protests from outraged citizens.

A recent immigration enforcement operation in Manhattan's Canal Street led to the arrests of 14 individuals, including several demonstrators who obstructed law enforcement activities. The operation, aimed at combatting counterfeit goods, sparked immediate protests from local residents and activists. Critics, including local political figures, condemned the aggressive tactics used by federal agents and called for a shift in focus from undocumented individuals towards violent crime prevention.

NEW YORK (AP) — An immigration enforcement operation led to the arrests of 14 individuals, including several demonstrators accused of obstructing agents during the sweep on Manhattan’s Canal Street. The operation aimed to enforce laws against counterfeiting in a locality known for its street vendors and knock-off goods.

Angry crowds formed as federal agents began questioning and detaining vendors in the busy commercial area. Large groups of activists and passersby emerged to protest the operation, accusing the agents of heavy-handed tactics as some demonstrators attempted to block law enforcement vehicles.

Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, reported that among the 14 arrested, nine were detained during the immigration operation, while others faced charges for assaulting officers or obstructing enforcement efforts.

While such operations on Canal Street are not uncommon, the aggressive nature of this enforcement action provoked immediate backlash from the community. Eyewitness accounts described agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies using force against protesters.

McLaughlin characterized the initiative as a “targeted, intelligence-driven” operation focused on criminal activities related to counterfeiting. She noted that those arrested had records involving robbery, drug offenses, and other crimes.

This crackdown was incited after conservative online influencers shared videos on X platform showing individuals selling counterfeit goods, which drew the attention of federal authorities.

The enforcement operation received criticism from political figures, including candidates in New York City’s mayoral race who accused the administration of fostering fear rather than community safety. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo remarked that the operation prioritized fear over justice.

Mayor Eric Adams clarified that the police department was not involved in the enforcement sweep, emphasizing that his administration supports undocumented individuals striving for their dreams rather than targeting them for law enforcement actions.