Federal authorities reportedly carried out a major operation in New York City’s Chinatown on Tuesday, resulting in the arrest of nine illegal immigrants from Senegal, Mali, and Guinea allegedly involved in selling counterfeit merchandise.
The raid, led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), also led to the detention of four individuals who reportedly interfered with law enforcement, blocking vehicles and throwing objects.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the operation as “targeted” and “intelligence-driven,” emphasizing its focus on criminal activity tied to counterfeit goods. “During this law enforcement operation, rioters who were shouting obscenities, became violent and obstructed law enforcement duties, including blocking vehicles and assaulting law enforcement,” McLaughlin said. She added that “already, one rioter has been arrested for assault on a federal officer,” underscoring the dangers faced by officers during such operations.
The arrests reflect a broader federal effort to address illegal activity in major urban areas, particularly involving individuals who exploit the U.S. economy and law enforcement systems. Federal authorities noted that operations like this are carefully planned to minimize disruption to the public while targeting criminal actors.
At a news conference, Murad Awawdeh, vice president of advocacy at the New York Immigration Coalition, claimed that between 15 and 40 vendors were arrested, along with two local residents protesting the operation. City officials reiterated their commitment to New York’s sanctuary policies, highlighting that local authorities do not cooperate with federal agencies on civil deportation matters. A spokesman for Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that the city’s policies limit assistance to federal immigration enforcement, signaling a sharp contrast with federal priorities.
NYC: Arrests and Clashes as protesters STAND OFF with ICE agents during a RAID on Canal Street
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— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) October 21, 2025
The raid drew criticism from local left-wing political figures. Zohran Mamdani, the Democrats’ socialist mayoral candidate and a Ugandan immigrant, condemned the operation as “aggressive and reckless” in a post on X. “Once again, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It must stop,” he wrote. Mamdani has previously expressed support for defunding the police, abolishing prisons, and eliminating ICE, positions that critics say could undermine public safety and law enforcement efforts.
Federal agents from ICE and HSI—some in military fatigues and masks—descended on Chinatown today in an aggressive and reckless raid on immigrant street vendors.
Once again, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It must stop. https://t.co/TTAmNlm7Zr
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) October 21, 2025
Federal authorities defended the operation as essential for maintaining law and order. By targeting illegal vendors engaged in counterfeit sales, ICE and DHS aim to protect both lawful businesses and consumers. Counterfeit goods not only undermine legitimate commerce but are often linked to organized crime and tax evasion, making enforcement crucial to public safety and economic integrity.
The Chinatown operation also highlights the friction between federal law enforcement priorities and the policies of sanctuary jurisdictions like New York City. While local officials prioritize limiting federal involvement, federal agencies continue to assert their constitutional mandate to enforce immigration and criminal laws nationwide. McLaughlin stressed that federal officers would continue to conduct such operations wherever intelligence indicates criminal activity, despite protests or political opposition.
The arrests on Tuesday serve as a reminder of the federal government’s commitment to upholding immigration laws and protecting American communities from criminal enterprises, even in cities where local policies seek to shield illegal immigrants from federal enforcement.
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