NEW YORK (AP) — A wave of protests erupted on Canal Street following a federal immigration enforcement operation that resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals, including some activists who allegedly obstructed agents. The operation was described by authorities as a crackdown on criminal activities linked to street vendors, particularly the sale of counterfeit goods.
Witnesses reported that numerous New Yorkers gathered to challenge the presence of federal agents from ICE and Border Patrol, escalating tensions on the busy commercial strip famous for its sidewalk bazaars. The agents were reportedly met with fierce resistance from both bystanders and organized activists, blocking vehicles and verbally confronting law enforcement.
According to Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, nine arrests occurred during the initial sweep while four additional individuals were apprehended for allegedly assaulting law enforcement personnel. Excessive force was cited as demonstrators were pushed back and threatened with stun guns and pepper spray.
The sweep, characterized as 'targeted and intelligence-driven,' was initiated after conservative influencers circulated videos showing street vendors selling goods on Canal Street. Activists and local political figures immediately condemned the operation. State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani criticized it as an authoritarian move, while former Governor Andrew Cuomo suggested the actions were driven by fear rather than justice.
Mayor Eric Adams clarified that the NYPD wasn't involved in the operation, emphasizing his administration's position that undocumented individuals should not be targets of law enforcement, recommending instead that resources be shifted towards violent crime as a priority. This incident highlights the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement practices in the city and their impact on local communities.
