NEW YORK — An immigration enforcement sweep targeting vendors on New York City’s famed Canal Street turned chaotic on Tuesday when a swarm of bystanders and protesters surrounded federal agents, trying to prevent them from executing the operation.
The conflict unfolded along a busy street renowned for its market of counterfeit designer goods and electronics.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated that the agents were conducting an enforcement operation against sellers of counterfeit goods when protesters began shouting obscenities and became violent, obstructing law enforcement activities and blocking vehicles.
Approximately at 4 p.m., an Associated Press reporter witnessed federal agents making arrests, including detaining a street vendor selling glittering smartphone cases.
Protesters then encircled the masked officers, attempting to impede their vehicle from leaving while chanting phrases like “ICE out of New York.”
Federal agents, including those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, were seen pushing protesters and threatening them with pepper spray before making multiple arrests.
The unfolding chaos attracted more New Yorkers, prompting some agents to retreat on foot amid jeers from the crowd, and additional federal agents, equipped with military-style gear and a tactical BearCat vehicle, responded to the scene.
At least one protester was arrested for assaulting an officer, but the exact number of detained vendors was not disclosed.
Mayor Eric Adams distanced the city from the operation, affirming that his administration does not support targeting undocumented New Yorkers pursuing the American Dream, advocating instead for focusing on violent criminals.
This incident occurred just days after a conservative influencer posted a video urging federal authorities to check out the bustling sidewalk vendors on Canal Street.
