Federal agents carried out a large-scale enforcement operation in Manhattan’s Chinatown this week, targeting vendors accused of selling counterfeit goods along Canal Street. The action, led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), quickly escalated into chaos as crowds confronted officers and several arrests were made.
According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, the operation was “targeted and intelligence-driven,” involving multiple federal partners, including the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CI, and Customs and Border Protection. McLaughlin explained that “rioters who were shouting obscenities became violent and obstructed law enforcement duties, including blocking vehicles and assaulting law enforcement.” At least one individual was arrested for assaulting a federal officer.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of confusion as vendors attempted to pack up their goods and flee. News helicopters captured agents in tactical gear detaining individuals between Lafayette and Center streets. Traffic ground to a halt as officers clashed with bystanders who tried to intervene. Some witnesses claimed vendors were asked to show passports or proof of legal status, though officials have not confirmed where those detained were taken.
City Hall and the New York Police Department quickly distanced themselves from the operation. Mayor Eric Adams’ press secretary, Kayla Mamelak Altus, emphasized that the city “never cooperates with federal law enforcement on civil deportation matters” and had “no involvement in this matter.” She added that the mayor believes resources should be focused on violent crime, not undocumented workers “trying to pursue the American Dream.”
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo also criticized the raid, saying, “This is not who we are, and it will never be NYC when I am mayor.” He added that the ICE operation in Chinatown was “an abuse of federal power by the Trump administration,” and emphasized the city’s identity as built by immigrants, highlighting the values symbolized by the Statue of Liberty.
By Tuesday evening, Canal Street stood largely empty, its usual rows of vendors replaced by police barriers and federal vehicles as protests continued near 26 Federal Plaza.
