Hundreds gathered in New York City on Tuesday night to protest after ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) conducted raids in Chinatown. The operation targeted people allegedly involved in selling counterfeit goods. Eyewitnesses reported that many were detained, but the exact number remains unclear.
As news of the raids spread, demonstrators assembled outside the Immigration Building at 26 Federal Plaza, chanting slogans like “ICE out of New York.” Videos from the scene showed federal agents, armed and masked, detaining individuals and pushing crowds back. An armored vehicle was also present, drawing further alarm from bystanders.
One protester questioned the ethics of the agents’ actions: “Is this worth the paycheck? Selling your soul?” This sentiment reflects a growing concern about the aggressive tactics used in such operations.
The raid involved over 50 federal agents in a well-trafficked area of Manhattan known for its markets selling various goods. Witnesses claimed they saw multiple individuals taken into custody. A representative from the Department of Homeland Security stated that the operation targeted criminal activities related to counterfeit goods.
Murad Awawdeh from the New York Immigration Coalition estimated that between 15 and 40 vendors were arrested. He criticized the raid, saying, “You don’t see these scenes in democracy. You see them in fascist regimes.” Local council member Christopher Marte echoed these concerns, highlighting the unprecedented show of force.
Despite the NYPD distancing itself from the operation, reports indicated that officers arrested several protesters. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that NYC does not cooperate with federal enforcement on civil matters, asserting that undocumented individuals pursuing their dreams should not be targeted.
Criticism of the raids has been strong. Mayoral candidates and former Governor Andrew Cuomo condemned the actions, labeling them as politically motivated rather than focused on safety. Cuomo remarked, “You don’t make New York safer by attacking New Yorkers.”
Protesters argue that raids like these have become common in immigrant neighborhoods across the U.S. Recent statistics show that individuals without criminal records now represent the largest group in ICE detention, raising questions about the agency’s priorities. Studies indicate that at least 170 U.S. citizens were wrongfully detained by ICE in 2025, highlighting systematic issues within the agency.
These aggressive tactics have sparked fierce backlash. The recent raids tie into a broader tapestry of protests against ICE’s methods, seen in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, where similar actions prompted public outcry. With rising tensions around immigration policy, events like this remind us of the ongoing struggle faced by many communities.
For more details on ICE operations, you can visit the Department of Homeland Security or check out further discussions on their tactics here.
