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A federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Lower Manhattan led to chaos on Tuesday as agents targeted illegal street vendors along Canal Street. The operation, involving multiple federal agencies, aimed to crack down on vendors selling counterfeit goods in the bustling Chinatown area.
As agents moved in, vendors attempted to flee, resulting in a chaotic scene where several people were seen running and falling. According to ABC7NY, the operation involved ICE, Homeland Security, the FBI, and other federal partners. The operation led to several arrests, including both vendors and protesters who tried to intervene.
The New York Police Department and Mayor Eric Adams stated that they had no involvement in the federal operation. Mayor Adams emphasized that New York City does not cooperate with federal law enforcement on civil deportations, in line with local laws. He stated, "Our administration has been clear that undocumented New Yorkers trying to pursue their American Dreams should not be the target of law enforcement, and resources should instead be focused on violent criminals."
The operation drew criticism from local leaders and residents. Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani described the raid as an "aggressive and reckless raid on immigrant street vendors," while former Governor Andrew Cuomo called it "an abuse of federal power." Protests erupted outside federal buildings in Lower Manhattan, with demonstrators expressing outrage over the federal action.
The New York Post reported that at least one protester was arrested for assaulting a federal officer during the operation. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the operation was "targeted and intelligence-driven," focusing on criminal activity related to counterfeit goods.
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