ICE Targets Chinatown Vendors Over Counterfeits

Federal immigration authorities — including ICE, HSI and Border Patrol, with some FBI/DEA personnel reportedly embedded — conducted a targeted enforcement sweep on Canal Street in Manhattan’s Chinatown Tuesday afternoon focused on vendors selling counterfeit goods. Video and eyewitness accounts showed dozens of masked, tactical-gear officers using armored/tactical vehicles, zip-ties and ID checks while detaining multiple vendors; reports of how many were taken vary widely (roughly five to as many as 15–40), and advocates said at least two U.S. citizens were briefly detained. Authorities reported at least one arrest for assaulting an officer. Crowds of residents and protesters surrounded agents, clashed at times, attempted to block vehicles, and officers briefly retreated and later regrouped at 26 Federal Plaza. The NYPD said it had no involvement, and city officials including the mayor’s office, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Councilmember Christopher Marte condemned the raids as heavy-handed and inconsistent with sanctuary values.