NEW YORK (AP) — An immigration enforcement operation that sparked spontaneous protests on Manhattan’s Canal Street led to the arrests of 14 people, including several demonstrators accused of assaulting or obstructing agents. Angry New Yorkers surrounded federal agents as they began questioning and detaining street vendors, inciting immediate protests.
Law enforcement raids aimed at counterfeiting are not uncommon on Canal Street, yet the sight of dozens of masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agents making arrests incited backlash. Activists joined bystanders, shouting at agents and blocking their vehicles, resulting in agents trying to disperse the crowd forcefully, leading to further conflicts.
According to Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, nine individuals were arrested initially, while four more arrests followed for allegedly assaulting federal officers, with one more person detained for obstructing law enforcement.
McLaughlin characterized the operation as “targeted, intelligence-driven,” focusing on crime linked to counterfeit goods. Some arrestees had previous criminal histories involving robbery, domestic violence, and counterfeiting.
The operation drew sharp condemnation from local Democratic leaders, including Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, both highlighting the fear instilled by such tactics. Canal Street is known for its bustling market selling counterfeit goods, prompting frequent crackdowns involving local police and federal agencies.
Mayor Eric Adams asserted that the police department was not involved in the operation and stated that resources should focus on violent crime rather than targeting undocumented New Yorkers pursuing their dreams. The enforcement action came after conservative influencers shared videos online about vendors on Canal Street, raising concerns over enforcement priorities.
Law enforcement raids aimed at counterfeiting are not uncommon on Canal Street, yet the sight of dozens of masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agents making arrests incited backlash. Activists joined bystanders, shouting at agents and blocking their vehicles, resulting in agents trying to disperse the crowd forcefully, leading to further conflicts.
According to Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, nine individuals were arrested initially, while four more arrests followed for allegedly assaulting federal officers, with one more person detained for obstructing law enforcement.
McLaughlin characterized the operation as “targeted, intelligence-driven,” focusing on crime linked to counterfeit goods. Some arrestees had previous criminal histories involving robbery, domestic violence, and counterfeiting.
The operation drew sharp condemnation from local Democratic leaders, including Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, both highlighting the fear instilled by such tactics. Canal Street is known for its bustling market selling counterfeit goods, prompting frequent crackdowns involving local police and federal agencies.
Mayor Eric Adams asserted that the police department was not involved in the operation and stated that resources should focus on violent crime rather than targeting undocumented New Yorkers pursuing their dreams. The enforcement action came after conservative influencers shared videos online about vendors on Canal Street, raising concerns over enforcement priorities.
