NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Federal agents descended on Canal Street in Chinatown on Tuesday afternoon as part of an apparent raid and detained several people, according to multiple reports.
City Hall described the scene as “federal law enforcement action” and confirmed that it “never [cooperates] with federal law enforcement on civil deportation matters, in accordance with local laws.”
“Mayor Adams has been clear that undocumented New Yorkers trying to pursue the American Dream should not be the target of law enforcement, and resources should instead be focused on violent criminals,” the statement said.
The NYPD confirmed that it is not involved in the operation.
1010 WINS reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for a statement.
According to reports from NBC New York and Gothamist, at least four people were detained as ICE and HSI agents searched for undocumented immigrants illegally selling items on the street.
Vending is a common practice in New York City, especially in the area of Canal Street. Illegal vending typically falls under the purview of the NYPD.
Detainees were reportedly taken to 26 Federal Plaza—the controversial ICE facility in Lower Manhattan that has been the site of several high-profile protests and sit-ins.
An Adams spokesperson added that senior administration officials are on the ground at 26 Federal Plaza, where the NYPD has been instructed to intervene if the situation escalates.
Citizen App footage from the scene shows crowds of New Yorkers with protest signs chanting anti-ICE slogans, and law enforcement officers are in place with active barriers.