ICE Agents Raid Manhattan’s Chinatown, Confronting Vendors and Protesters
On October 23, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents executed a significant raid on Manhattan’s Chinatown. This operation resulted in multiple arrests, affecting vendors and protesters alike. The raid, part of a targeted enforcement strategy, unfolded around Canal Street, between Lafayette and Centre streets, at approximately 4 p.m.
Details of the Raid
During the raid, several vendors known for selling counterfeit items attempted to escape the scene as ICE agents moved in. Police officers were reportedly checking identification and took approximately five vendors into custody.
Chaos Erupts
The situation escalated when protesters opposed to ICE’s actions began blocking traffic and shouting. One protester was arrested after allegedly assaulting a police officer. Eyewitness accounts described the scene as chaotic, with bystanders reacting fiercely to the arrests. Many labeled the agents as “Nazis” and “fascists.”
Witness Accounts
- Kaden Cummings, a resident, stated, “I saw this live in real time and real history.”
- Edwin Jean, a Brooklyn resident, expressed frustration after being detained for not providing his ID.
Reports indicate that around 100 individuals gathered outside 26 Federal Plaza later that evening to protest the actions taken by ICE. Media coverage described the area resembling a “war zone” with masked individuals and heightened tensions.
Official Responses
The New York Police Department (NYPD) released a statement asserting they were not involved in the federal operation on Canal Street. Zohran Mamdani, a candidate in the New York City mayoral race, criticized the raid as a reckless approach that instills fear rather than ensuring safety.
This unprecedented operation reflects a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States, leaving many concerned about its implications for local communities.
