Protesters clashed with law enforcement in New York City on Tuesday as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents carried out a raid in lower Manhattan.

The enforcement operation, which began midafternoon, targeted illegal vendors on Canal Street, which has long been known as a hub for knock-off goods — including designer bags, jewelry and electronics.

Federal agents carried out a number of arrests in the area, including one observed by a reporter for The Associated Press that included a street vendor selling bedazzled smartphone cases.

Protesters soon gathered around the area, pushing back on the masked federal agents and trying to block their vehicle, shouting, “ICE out of New York.” At other points throughout the protests, the crowd shouted, “fascists.”

The operation was led by ICE and other agencies, including the FBI and Border Patrol, according to Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, The New York Times reported.

The agents tried to clear the streets, in some cases shoving protesters to the ground to let traffic through.

The New York Police Department, in a post online, said it “had no involvement in the federal operation that took place on Canal Street this afternoon.”

NewsNation, The Hill’s sister network, observed multiple arrests. One individual was captured on live TV being pinned to the ground and zip-tied. The individual, who appeared to be a protester, wore a face covering, which was removed by law enforcement while he was face-down on the ground.

Many people in the area, which ultimately extended down to Tribeca and the Financial District, were dressed in suits and appeared to be leaving work ahead of rush hours, according to the reports.

“We heard noise from our office and came on down because this is insane what they’re doing to people. It’s inhumane,” a young woman told NewsNation’s Jessica Kartalija, noting that she joined the protests on Canal Street.

McLaughlin said at least one person was arrested for assaulting an officer but did not say how many vendors were detained.

“During this law enforcement operation, rioters who were shouting obscenities, became violent and obstructed law enforcement duties including blocking vehicles and assaulting law enforcement,” she said in a statement.

The Associated Press contributed.

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