NEW YORK (AP) — An immigration enforcement sweep targeting vendors on New York City’s famed Canal Street turned chaotic on Tuesday, as droves of bystanders and protesters surrounded federal agents and attempted to block them from carrying out the operation.
The confrontation between the agents and hundreds of angry New Yorkers took place along a busy commercial thoroughfare that has long been a hub of the city’s not-so-underground market for knock-off designer handbags, watches, perfumes, and sunglasses as well as phones and other electronics.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated that the agents were carrying out an enforcement operation against sellers of 'counterfeit goods' when 'rioters who were shouting obscenities became violent and obstructed law enforcement duties by blocking vehicles and assaulting law enforcement.'
At around 4 p.m., an Associated Press reporter observed federal agents making arrests in the area, detaining a street vendor who appeared to be selling bedazzled smartphone cases. A contingent of protesters then surrounded the masked officers, attempting to block their vehicle from driving off as they shouted, 'ICE out of New York' and other chants.
The agents, from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol, and other federal offices, were seen pushing protesters to the ground and threatening them with pepper spray before detaining several individuals. As more New Yorkers joined the fray, some of the federal agents retreated on foot, followed by jeering protesters and honking vehicles. Additional federal agents, armed in combat gear and carrying long guns, also arrived with a military tactical vehicle known as a BearCat and made further arrests.
At least one individual was arrested for assaulting an officer, according to the DHS spokesperson, though the number of detained vendors remains unclear. In a statement, Mayor Eric Adams said the city had no involvement in the action and was gathering details, emphasizing that undocumented New Yorkers pursuing their American Dreams should not be the target of law enforcement.
This sweep occurred just two days after a conservative influencer shared a video on X showing the bustling sidewalk bag vendors, urging the official ICE account to 'check this corner out.'
