A major law enforcement operation unfolded on Canal Street Tuesday evening as dozens of masked federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a raid on street vendors, leading to nearly 40 arrests. The aggressive sweep quickly drew a large crowd of over 100 community members, sparking a tense protest that resulted in further arrests and confrontations with officers.
The operation, described by officials as a targeted action against counterfeit goods, escalated as demonstrators followed agents and detainees, demanding their release and clashing with a heavy police presence that cordoned off federal buildings.
Key Takeaways
- Over 50 federal agents conducted a raid on Canal Street vendors, arresting nearly 40 people.
- More than 100 protesters gathered, leading to confrontations with law enforcement and four demonstrator arrests.
- The raid occurred near New York University's Lafayette Hall, though the university reported no impact on its community.
- The operation followed a viral social media post calling for ICE to investigate the vendors.
- The Mayor's office stated it had no involvement and that its policy is not to target undocumented individuals pursuing work.
Aggressive Enforcement Action Unfolds
On Tuesday evening, the busy intersection of Centre and Canal Streets became the scene of a large-scale federal operation. Witnesses reported seeing more than 50 agents, many wearing vests identifying them as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), descend on the area known for its street vendors.
The agents moved swiftly in what was described as an “intelligence-driven enforcement operation.” Their focus was on vendors, many of whom are of West African descent, who sell goods along the sidewalk. The operation resulted in the detention of almost 40 individuals.
Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene. Several agents were seen physically restraining individuals, with some reports of civilians being slammed to the ground. Protesters also stated that officers pointed assault rifles at the crowd and threatened them with batons and pepper spray as tensions mounted.
Social Media Post Preceded Raid
The enforcement action occurred just two days after a right-wing social media influencer, Savanah Hernandez, posted a video on the platform X. In her post, she described the area as a “black market” operated by “illegal immigrants” and suggested ICE should investigate. Following the raid, she posted another video claiming credit for prompting the federal response.
Community Response and Immediate Protests
As federal agents began taking detainees away in unmarked vehicles, a crowd of community members and activists quickly swelled to over 100 people. The protesters surrounded the vehicles, chanting and banging on them in an attempt to prevent them from leaving.
The demonstration moved from Canal Street, passing near NYU's Lafayette Hall, and continued towards Foley Square. Students in the area reported seeing the confrontations between protesters and agents in tactical gear. Despite the proximity, an NYU spokesperson confirmed the university was not affected.
“We’re unaware of any impact on NYU facilities or community members,” said John Beckman, a spokesperson for New York University, in a statement.
Protesters demanded that the agents release those arrested and remove their masks to reveal their identities. Chants of “ICE out of New York” were prominent, led by members of advocacy groups like the New York Immigration Coalition and the Hunter College Committee to Defend Immigrants, who held signs reading “STOP THE DEPORTATIONS.”
Confrontation at Federal Plaza
The protest converged on 26 Federal Plaza, the location where ICE processes detainees. The building was quickly secured by over 100 New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers, who erected metal barricades to block the entrance.
Scuffles broke out between police and demonstrators. The NYPD later confirmed that two protesters were taken into custody during these clashes, in addition to two others arrested earlier, bringing the total number of demonstrator arrests to four.
The office of Mayor Eric Adams clarified the city's position on the matter, emphasizing that the NYPD was not involved in the initial ICE operation.
“We never cooperate with federal law enforcement on civil deportation matters, in accordance with local laws, and have no involvement in this matter,” said Kayla Mamelak Altus, Press Secretary for the Mayor. “Mayor Adams has been clear that undocumented New Yorkers trying to pursue the American Dream should not be the target of law enforcement.”
A Broader Context of Immigration Enforcement
This raid highlights the ongoing and often contentious nature of federal immigration enforcement in New York City. Since early 2017, ICE has conducted over 2,000 arrests in the city. The processing center at 26 Federal Plaza has become a focal point, with data from earlier this year showing it had the highest number of arrests at immigration courts nationwide.
Immigration Enforcement Statistics
- January - July Arrests: At least 460 immigrants were detained at 26 Federal Plaza.
- National Deportations: The agency has reportedly deported at least 2 million immigrants this year.
- Criminal Records: Approximately 71.5% of those deported had no prior criminal records.
The incident also brings to the forefront the debate around “sanctuary” policies. On-campus organizations at NYU have previously held anti-ICE protests, urging the university to declare itself a “sanctuary campus” and refrain from cooperating with federal agents. In February, the university stated it would “comply with the law” regarding federal immigration matters.
In the aftermath of the raid, community members posted flyers around the neighborhood with information about the raid and an immigration defense helpline, signaling that local resistance to such federal actions remains strong and organized.
