NEW YORK (AP) — An immigration raid on Manhattan’s bustling Canal Street resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals, federal officials announced on Wednesday. Among those detained were several protestors accused of assaulting or obstructing enforcement agents during the operation.
On Tuesday afternoon, a wave of irate New Yorkers converged on a team of federal agents who were interrogating and apprehending street vendors along the bustling thoroughfare, renowned for its vibrant street markets and plethora of shops offering counterfeit designer merchandise.
While raids targeting counterfeit goods are not uncommon on Canal Street, the presence of numerous masked agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal bodies conducting arrests sparked immediate demonstrations.
Activists quickly gathered at the scene, joining bystanders—many seemingly commuting home—and vociferously challenged the agents, even blocking their vehicle at one point. Federal agents from ICE, Border Patrol, and other departments responded by attempting to disperse the crowd, resorting to tactics such as shoving protestors to the ground and threatening them with stun guns or pepper spray.
According to Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, the initial immigration operation resulted in nine arrests. Additionally, four individuals were apprehended for allegedly assaulting federal officers, while a fifth faced charges for obstructing law enforcement by blocking a driveway.
McLaughlin characterized the initial operation as “a targeted, intelligence-driven” effort aimed at addressing criminal activities linked to the sale of counterfeit products. She noted that some detainees had previously been implicated in offenses such as robbery, burglary, domestic violence, assaulting law enforcement, counterfeiting, drug trafficking, drug possession, and forgery.
The sweep came after at last two conservative influencers shared video on X of men selling bags on Canal Street’s sidewalks.
The enforcement operation drew condemnation from the two Democrats in New York City’s mayoral race.
“Once again, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It must stop,” said state Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani,
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, similarly, said it was “more about fear than justice.”
Canal Street is famous globally as a place to buy counterfeit designer and bootlegged goods, and federal authorities often partner with the city’s police department and luxury brands on crackdowns aimed at shutting down the illicit trade.
Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, said the police department had no involvement in Tuesday’s sweep.
“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,” he said.
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This story was corrected to reflect that the arrests happened Tuesday, not Thursday.
