Federal agents conducted a joint Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdown in New York City’s Chinatown neighborhood on Tuesday, according to a law enforcement official.
A large police presence was observed on Canal Street, a major shopping center in Lower Manhattan.
Federal agents are seen in the Chinatown neighborhood of New York City on October 21, 2025.
WABC
ABC station WABC in New York reported that vendors packed up their tables and attempted to flee the area, known for merchants selling designer knockoffs.
ICE and federal partners from multiple agencies “conducted a targeted, intelligence-driven law enforcement operation” that “focused on criminal activity related to the sale of counterfeit products,” Department of Homeland Security Undersecretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.
McLaughlin said details about those arrested will be released once they are available.
Following the ICE operation, protesters were seen gathering in the area. McLaughlin said a “troublemaker” was arrested for assault on a federal officer.
“During this police operation, rioters shouting obscenities became violent and obstructed police work, including blocking vehicles and attacking authorities,” he said.
In response to the protests, senior officials from the City Council administration went to the scene to monitor the current situation.
“We have learned of the federal law enforcement action on Canal Street in Manhattan this afternoon and are gathering more details. We never cooperate with federal authorities on civil deportation matters, consistent with local laws, and have no involvement in this matter,” a City Hall spokesperson said in a statement to ABC News.
“Mayor Adams has been clear that undocumented New Yorkers trying to pursue the American dream should not be targeted by law enforcement and that resources should be focused on violent criminals,” the statement added.
Federal agents are seen in the Chinatown neighborhood of New York City on October 21, 2025.
WABC
A source familiar with the situation told ABC News that if circumstances escalate and an individual attacks or interferes with a legal law enforcement action, Mayor Eric Adams has ordered the New York City Police Department to intervene.
Earlier on Tuesday, the NYPD said in X that it “did not participate in the federal operation that took place on Canal Street this afternoon.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
