October 25, 2025
Dozens of masked and armed Federal agents targeted sidewalk vendors on Canal Street this past Tuesday afternoon. The operation, according to DHS, was aimed at the sale of counterfeit goods at that location. Several blocks on Canal Street near Church are well known for the informal marketplace that features handbags, watches and other luxe merchandise, sold at a discount. Tourists can be seen haggling with the vendors any day of the week. NYPD periodically raids the market and confiscates inventory, but it’s usually back to business a day later. This isn’t anything new. It’s been going on since forever, and as mentioned above, has become a ‘destination’ in and of itself for tourists.
Regardless of all that, the Federal government dispatched officers in riot gear to quash a routine, local, quality of life offense. A group of New Yorkers spontaneously formed and cursed the officers as they made their way on foot down to Federal Plaza with several vendors in custody. You Tuber Nick Shirley got some great footage of the incident that you can check out here. The point that this (black market counterfeit sidewalk sales) is a local police matter that doesn’t justify or require an aggressive response by Federal agents is the point made by the final New Yorker Nick interviewed in the video. City Council Member Christopher Marte called the Federal op an overreach and accused the Feds of “terrorizing our immigrant neighbors with military vehicles and masked agents.” Marte represents the Council District where the raid took place.
NYS Attorney General Letitia James has also called for video of the confrontation.
“Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear or intimidation,” said Attorney General James. “If you witnessed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to share that footage with my office. We are committed to reviewing these reports and assessing any violations of law. No one should be subject to unlawful questioning, detention, or intimidation.”
Attorney General James is asking New Yorkers to share photos or videos of federal government actions using the Office of the Attorney General’s new online portal.
A day after the operation, hundreds of New Yorkers turned out for a rally in Foley Square in opposition to ICE raids in NYC.
