Protests Erupt in Manhattan Following Immigration Raids on Canal Street

Sat Oct 25 2025 13:59:28 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

An immigration sweep targeting street vendors on Manhattan's Canal Street led to multiple arrests and sparked protests by New Yorkers opposing the operation.

A federal immigration enforcement operation on Canal Street in Manhattan resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals, including protesters accused of obstructing law enforcement. The operation, aimed at combatting counterfeiting, prompted immediate backlash from the community, leading to confrontations with federal agents. Activists condemned the raid as authoritarian, with city officials criticizing the focus on undocumented vendors instead of violent crime. Mayor Eric Adams stated that the police were not involved in the sweep and emphasized focusing law enforcement efforts on violent criminals.

NEW YORK — An immigration enforcement operation that sparked spontaneous protests on Manhattan’s Canal Street led to the arrests of 14 people, federal authorities said on Wednesday, including several demonstrators accused of assaulting or obstructing agents.

Angry crowds surrounded federal agents on Thursday afternoon as they questioned and detained street vendors on Canal Street, a bustling area known for its marketplace of knock-off designer goods. This operation was meant to target counterfeiting, but the display of agents quickly galvanized protests from local residents and activists.

Activists joined bystanders, many on their way home from work, began to shout at the officers and blocked police vehicles. In turn, federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol engaged in confrontations, which included physical shoves and threats with stun guns against protesters.

According to Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, nine arrests were from the initial sweep with four additional arrests for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers. Another individual was arrested after obstructing law enforcement.

McLaughlin described the sweep as a ‘targeted, intelligence-driven’ operation focusing on criminal activity associated with selling counterfeit goods. She noted that many of those arrested had previous criminal accusations including robbery, drug trafficking, and more.

The operation followed the sharing of videos by conservative influencers on social media showing street vendors selling items on Canal Street.

Protests against the operation drew criticism from political figures, including Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, who condemned the move as authoritarian behavior by the Trump administration designed to incite fear rather than safety. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo echoed similar sentiments, calling the sweep more about creating fear than delivering justice.

Canal Street has a long-standing reputation for its markets, especially those involving counterfeit goods. Federal authorities frequently collaborate with the city's police and luxury brands to clamp down on illegal trading.

Mayor Eric Adams announced that the police department had no role in this week's sweep, stating that undocumented New Yorkers pursuing their dreams should not be the target of law enforcement efforts, and resources should instead focus on violent crime.