Chaos Erupts as Federal Agents Conduct Immigration Sweep on NYC Canal Street

Sat Dec 06 2025 23:29:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A routine immigration enforcement operation targeting counterfeit goods sellers on New York City's Canal Street spiraled into a chaotic confrontation with local protesters and bystanders attempting to obstruct federal agents.

On Tuesday, federal agents faced intense opposition while attempting to enforce immigration regulations on Canal Street, renowned for its market of counterfeit goods. The operation led to clashes with community members, resulting in injuries, arrests, and calls for the removal of federal agents from the area. Mayor Eric Adams stated the city had no role in the sweep, emphasizing a focus on violent crime rather than targeting vulnerable undocumented individuals.

NEW YORK (AP) — An immigration enforcement sweep targeting vendors on New York City’s famed Canal Street turned chaotic on Tuesday, as droves of bystanders and protesters surrounded federal agents and attempted to block them from carrying out the operation.

The confrontation between the agents and hundreds of angry New Yorkers unfolded along a bustling thoroughfare known for its unregulated market of counterfeit designer goods, electronics, and more.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security explained that agents were conducting an operation against sellers of counterfeit products when crowds became hostile, obstructing law enforcement duties and committing acts of violence, including assaults on officers.

At approximately 4 p.m., an Associated Press journalist observed federal agents making multiple arrests in the area, including one street vendor selling smartphone cases adorned with crystals.

Protesters quickly gathered, blocking agents' vehicles and chanting slogans like “ICE out of New York.” The situation escalated further, with federal agents resorting to using pepper spray and pushing back against protesters, resulting in several detentions.

The chaos prompted additional federal reinforcements, including agents equipped in full gear and a military tactical vehicle, leading to more arrests amidst the turmoil.

At least one demonstrator was taken into custody for assaulting an officer, as the operations continued without clarity on the total number of vendors detained.

In response to the unrest, Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that the city had no role in the sweep, reiterating that undocumented residents should not be the focus of law enforcement efforts and that resources would be better spent addressing violent crime. “Our administration has been clear that undocumented New Yorkers trying to pursue their American Dreams should not be the target of law enforcement,” he stated.

The enforcement action occurred shortly after a conservative influencer shared a video on social media, prompting calls for inspection from federal agents on the active street vendor scene.