NEW YORK (AP) — An immigration enforcement operation on Manhattan's Canal Street led to a spontaneous protest on Thursday, resulting in 14 arrests, including several demonstrators accused of assault and obstruction against federal agents. The operation, aimed at questioning and detaining street vendors, drew widespread anger from locals who surrounded federal agents, shouting and blocking their vehicles. Activists joined bystanders in the protest, criticizing the aggressive tactics used by federal agents, who included officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.
According to Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security, nine arrests were made during the initial sweep for alleged crimes related to selling counterfeit goods, with subsequent arrests made for physically assaulting law enforcement. McLaughlin defended the operation as a targeted action against criminal activities linked to the sale of counterfeit goods, noting that some individuals arrested had a history of serious offenses.
The operation's timing coincided with videos shared on social media by conservative influencers showing vendors on Canal Street. The enforcement drew condemnation from Democrats in New York City, with Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani criticizing the move as fear-mongering, while former Governor Andrew Cuomo echoed these sentiments, highlighting the operation's focus on instilling fear rather than pursuing justice.
Mayor Eric Adams stated that the police department was not involved in the operation and emphasized that undocumented individuals pursuing their dreams should not be targeted for enforcement actions. The protests reflect ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement in the city, particularly in areas known for counterfeit goods.
According to Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security, nine arrests were made during the initial sweep for alleged crimes related to selling counterfeit goods, with subsequent arrests made for physically assaulting law enforcement. McLaughlin defended the operation as a targeted action against criminal activities linked to the sale of counterfeit goods, noting that some individuals arrested had a history of serious offenses.
The operation's timing coincided with videos shared on social media by conservative influencers showing vendors on Canal Street. The enforcement drew condemnation from Democrats in New York City, with Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani criticizing the move as fear-mongering, while former Governor Andrew Cuomo echoed these sentiments, highlighting the operation's focus on instilling fear rather than pursuing justice.
Mayor Eric Adams stated that the police department was not involved in the operation and emphasized that undocumented individuals pursuing their dreams should not be targeted for enforcement actions. The protests reflect ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement in the city, particularly in areas known for counterfeit goods.
