Masked agents arrested Canal Street vendors in a surprise raid

NEW YORK- A surprise immigration enforcement operation unfolded Tuesday morning in Lower Manhattan, as masked federal agents descended on Canal Street in what witnesses described as a “military-style sweep.” The raid targeted street vendors many of them immigrants who operate in the bustling Chinatown corridor known for its open air markets and discount goods.

According to eyewitness accounts, dozens of agents arrived in armored vehicles and tactical gear, detaining several vendors and prompting immediate public backlash. The agents, believed to be affiliated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), did not publicly identify themselves during the operation.

Local residents and passersby quickly mobilized, forming spontaneous blockades and chanting in protest. Videos circulating on social media show tense confrontations between protesters and federal agents, with some demonstrators reportedly arrested during the standoff.

Community leaders and immigrant advocacy groups condemned the raid, calling it an “aggressive and unnecessary show of force” that endangered vulnerable workers and disrupted daily life in one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods.

The Department of Homeland Security has not released an official statement regarding the operation. Legal observers note that the sweep appears to align with the Trump administration’s renewed emphasis on interior immigration enforcement, though the scale and tactics used have raised alarm among civil rights organizations.

As of Wednesday morning, the number of individuals detained remains unclear. Local officials are urging anyone affected to seek legal counsel and report any violations of due process.