On Tuesday evening, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in New York City to protest against recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that occurred earlier in the day in the Chinatown neighborhood. The raids, reportedly aimed at “selling counterfeit goods,” resulted in an unknown number of detentions, inciting outrage among the local community and advocates for immigrant rights.
Shortly after federal agents conducted the raids in lower Manhattan, protesters assembled outside the 26 Federal Plaza Immigration Building, where many believed the detainees had been taken. The crowd chanted slogans such as “ICE out of New York” and “No ICE, no KKK, no fascist USA,” expressing their anger and calling for an end to ICE operations in the city. Videos circulating on social media depicted masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining individuals while pushing back onlookers.
Witnesses reported that the raid involved over 50 federal agents, taking place in a bustling area of Manhattan known for its sale of counterfeit handbags, jewelry, and other items, often catering to tourists. Although the exact number of detainees remains unclear, a witness described seeing at least seven individuals being taken into custody.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later confirmed that the operation was “focused on criminal activity relating to selling counterfeit goods.” Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for DHS, noted that the operation was a collaborative effort involving ICE, the FBI, and the U.S. Border Patrol.
Murad Awawdeh, vice-president of advocacy at the New York Immigration Coalition, spoke out against the raid, stating that between 15 and 40 vendors were arrested. He also highlighted that at least two local residents were detained for protesting against ICE's actions. “You don’t see these scenes in democracy. You see them in fascist regimes,” Awawdeh told the crowd, urging people to continue fighting back against such federal actions.
Local city council member Christopher Marte expressed his shock at the aggressive tactics used by federal agents. “The amount of weapons that they had on the street pointed at bystanders is something I’ve never seen in my life,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for accountability in law enforcement actions.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) distanced itself from the raids, tweeting that they had “no involvement in the federal operation” on Canal Street. However, bystanders noted that NYPD riot police were present and appeared to arrest several protesters. New York City Mayor Eric Adams reiterated the city’s stance, stating that “New York City does not cooperate with federal law enforcement on civil deportations” in accordance with local laws.
Adams highlighted that undocumented New Yorkers seeking to pursue their American Dreams should not be the focus of law enforcement, urging instead for resources to be directed towards combating violent crime.
New York City mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo criticized the raids, with Mamdani labeling them “aggressive and reckless” and Cuomo stating that they were “more about fear than justice.” Governor Kathy Hochul also condemned the actions of ICE, directly blaming the Trump administration for creating an atmosphere of fear rather than safety. “Donald Trump claims he’s targeting the ‘worst of the worst.’ Today, his agents used batons and pepper spray on street vendors and bystanders,” Hochul wrote.
City councilmember Shahana Hanif joined the chorus of condemnation, asserting that the tactics employed by ICE were unacceptable and unjust. She emphasized a collective opposition to ICE’s violent methods, highlighting the need for unity among politicians and the community against such federal operations.
ICE raids, often characterized by the presence of masked agents and aggressive tactics, have become increasingly common in immigrant communities across the United States. Recent protests against ICE have occurred in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, reflecting widespread discontent with federal enforcement actions. The Chinatown raid is not an isolated incident, as a prior raid in midtown Manhattan on October 16 marked the first known raid on a migrant shelter under the current Trump administration.
Documented incidents of violence during ICE operations have raised significant concerns. Reports include the use of excessive force, such as pepper-spraying a priest and body-slamming candidates for public office. In New York, an ICE agent was previously “relieved of his duties” for using excessive force in an immigration courthouse, yet returned to work shortly thereafter.
The situation in New York City continues to evolve, as community members and politicians rally against ICE’s controversial practices, highlighting the ongoing struggle for immigrant rights and protection within urban settings.
