Yesterday, federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other Department of Homeland Security units carried out a crackdown on counterfeit goods on Canal Street in Lower Manhattan. In a statement obtained by CBS News New York, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the operation as an "intelligence-driven enforcement operation" involving multiple agencies, including the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CI, and Customs and Border Protection. During the operation, protesters confronted the agents, resulting in at least one arrest for an alleged assault on a federal officer.
The NYPD was not involved in the operation, as confirmed by the department to Gothamist. Mayor Eric Adams' administration, through press secretary Kayla Mamelak Altus, stated that they are in the process of obtaining additional information. The city has a stated policy of not cooperating with federal law enforcement on civil deportation matters. Interactions between federal immigration authorities and local officials have become more frequent in the context of New York City’s sanctuary policies.
Witnesses reported that vendors were taken into custody at multiple locations along Canal Street, and the enforcement activity resulted in a noticeable decrease in street vendors in the typically busy area. Mohamed Attia, Director of the Street Vendor Project, described the federal enforcement as "shameful," and accused agents of racial profiling, according to an interview with CBS News New York. The operation has drawn criticism from several city officials, including Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who raised concerns about the scope and approach of the action.
Social media activity occurred prior to the federal operation. As per Gothamist, Savanah Hernandez, a contributor with known political affiliations, posted a video drawing attention to the area before the enforcement took place. The operation also follows recent enforcement efforts in California, where certain practices by ICE have been subject to legal scrutiny over alleged racial profiling. In light of these events, U.S. Representative Dan Goldman stated this week that federal immigration agents could be subject to arrest if they violate state laws during detentions.
As the operation continued through Chinatown, it led to confrontations between federal agents and community members. Reports indicated that agents used batons and issued warnings about the use of pepper spray. According to Gothamist, one officer appeared to pull a woman by the hair while clearing the street. As protests grew, demonstrators recorded the events and chanted in opposition to ICE.
