NEW YORK (AP) — An immigration enforcement operation conducted by federal authorities led to the arrest of 14 individuals, including several demonstrators accused of disrupting the operation, as tensions flared on Manhattan's bustling Canal Street.
The scene erupted into protests Thursday afternoon as a crowd of irate New Yorkers surrounded federal agents who were questioning and detaining street vendors, notorious for selling counterfeit designer merchandise along the iconic strip.
Though law enforcement actions targeting counterfeiting are not uncommon on Canal Street, the large-scale visible presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agents sparked immediate outrage from the community.
Activists quickly joined the flowing crowd of bystanders, many commuting home from work, chanting against the federal agents and blocking their vehicles. This led to escalations where agents resorted to physical force to clear the streets, reportedly using shove tactics and threats of stun guns and pepper spray against demonstrators.
According to Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, the operation was aimed at detaining individuals engaged in criminal activities linked to the sale of counterfeit goods. Out of the 14 arrests, nine were specifically related to the immigration sweep, while others were for blocking law enforcement's path and assaulting officers.
The coordinated enforcement action followed provocative social media posts by conservative influencers who shared videos showing vendors selling items on Canal Street. In light of these events, the tactic drew sharp criticism from local political figures, including Democrats vying for New York City’s mayoral seat. State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani stated, “These are authoritarian theatrics that instill fear rather than safety.”
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the focus seemed to favor creating an atmosphere of intimidation over delivering justice. In response to the operation, Mayor Eric Adams stated that the police department had no role in the sweep and emphasized that undocumented residents pursuing opportunities should not be the focus of law enforcement efforts. Resources should instead be directed at violent criminals, he said.
Canal Street's longstanding reputation as a marketplace for counterfeit and illicit goods often positions it at the center of federal crackdowns in collaboration with the city’s police and luxury brands. As the protest subsided, questions linger over the implications of such law enforcement strategies on community relations in New York City.
