Chaos Erupts on Canal Street as Federal Agents Conduct Raid
On Tuesday afternoon, a planned enforcement action by federal agents on Canal Street in Lower Manhattan spiraled into chaos. Crowds gathered to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, leading to a tense standoff. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the operation was aimed at addressing the sale of counterfeit goods and involved agents from ICE, the FBI, and the ATF.
While the exact number of detained vendors remains unclear, DHS reported that at least one protester was arrested for allegedly assaulting a federal officer. In a statement, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the operation as a targeted, intelligence-driven enforcement initiative focused on criminal activities related to counterfeit merchandise on Canal Street in New York City.
During this law enforcement operation, tensions escalated as rioters shouted obscenities and obstructed the duties of law enforcement. Protesters reportedly blocked vehicles and assaulted officers. As a result, one individual was arrested for assaulting a federal officer. Additional information regarding the arrests is expected to be released soon.
In a startling show of force, military-style trucks utilized by DHS investigations traversed Lower Manhattan, accompanied by armed federal agents. Chopper 2 captured aerial footage of the scene, although the NYPD clarified that they had no involvement in this operation, which was solely led by ICE.
Following the raid, protesters made their way to 26 Federal Plaza, where the detained individuals were taken. The demonstration was characterized as peaceful yet passionate, contrasting sharply with the earlier confrontations. One protester voiced concerns about ICE's tactics, stating, "The manner in which ICE is going into areas and just wreaking havoc, causing unsafe communities – it's very obvious that this isn't making anyone safer."
Another protester remarked, "Immigrants are an inherent part of the country. They are not the problem in this country." The Street Vendor Project condemned the federal enforcement action, calling it shameful.
Witnesses reported that vendors were apprehended from various locations along Canal Street, including Lafayette, Broadway, and Church Street. Fellow vendors expressed fear as they watched ICE agents aggressively approach. Elton Barrett, who works nearby, recounted, "They've been grabbing people that have been coming here, trying to support their family."
Mohamed Attia, the Director of the Street Vendor Project, criticized the federal enforcement, stating that vendors already face challenges from city agencies and struggle to obtain licenses, leaving them vulnerable. He alleged that enforcement actions were racially motivated, targeting individuals based on their appearance and language. "It's really horrifying that this is happening in New York City, a city of immigrants," Attia added.
By Tuesday evening, Canal Street was devoid of the street vendors who typically populate the area. Barrett noted, "Every time I get off the train, it's flooded with people selling bags. Today? Nobody. I didn't even realize what was going on." Eyal Adri, another local worker, acknowledged the need for vendors to earn a living but expressed concern about overcrowding on the sidewalks.
Local leaders and immigration advocates swiftly condemned the actions taken by federal agents. City Comptroller Brad Lander stated, "There is no excuse for sending military-style vehicles and a national law enforcement response for street vendors." Public Advocate Jumaane Williams emphasized that the operation was less about public safety and more about instilling fear and chaos among the community.
Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, criticized ICE's response to the protests, saying, "Ordinary New Yorkers on their way home stood up and said, what you are doing is shameful. And ICE's response to that was escalation and violence." A spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that the administration was gathering more details about the event and reiterated that they do not cooperate with federal law enforcement on civil deportation matters.
The mayor's press secretary, Kayla Mamelak Altus, stated, "Mayor Adams has been clear that undocumented New Yorkers trying to pursue the American Dream should not be the target of law enforcement, and resources should instead be focused on violent criminals." City Councilmember Christopher Marte criticized the raid as a "horrifying display of federal overreach," asserting that ICE has no place in New York City, particularly in Chinatown.
Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani also weighed in, calling the ICE operation an aggressive and reckless assault on immigrant street vendors. He condemned the federal government's actions as fear-inducing rather than safety-promoting, urging an end to such tactics.
