MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — On Tuesday afternoon, officers from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with other federal agents, took to the streets of Manhattan’s Chinatown.
They detained several individuals and clashed with ‘rioters’, according to officials.
Federal agents say they were focused on criminal activity relating to the sale of counterfeit goods when they were disrupted.
“Agents were carrying out an enforcement operation against sellers of counterfeit goods when rioters, who were shouting obscenities, became violent and obstructed law enforcement duties,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.
The spokesperson added that people were blocking vehicles and assaulting law enforcement.
ICE agents clash with the public
The incident began after a dozen officers wearing vests that read “Police Federal Agent” were spotted walking near Canal Street, between Church and Broadway, around 3:30 p.m. Within an hour, hundreds of people were in the streets, screaming “shame.“
Multiple people were detained on the street, video from the scene shows. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams later condemned the raid.
Make PIX11 your preferred source on Google: Here’s how
The New York Immigration Coalition also condemned the raid, saying federal agents created a violent spectacle, tackling bystanders to the ground, releasing a statement which read in part:
“Today’s raid on Canal Street was a horrifying display of federal overreach and authoritarian tactics. ICE descended on Manhattan’s Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents, and riot gear to target street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities.”
Past raids
In the past, the NYPD has taken the lead on busting the luxury knockoffs that flood the streets of Manhattan’s Chinatown.
More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State
However, the Feds maintain that their actions were necessary, intelligence-driven enforcement focused on criminal activity related to the sale of counterfeit goods.
DHS also noted that more details about the arrested criminals will be released as soon as they become available.
This story comprises reporting from PIX11 News reporters Emily Rahhal and Anthony Dilorenzo.
Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.