Hundreds of people protested in New York City on Tuesday evening after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) raided the Chinatown neighborhood. The raids targeted vendors accused of selling counterfeit goods and resulted in an unknown number of detainees.
Demonstrators gathered near the 26 Federal Plaza Immigration Building, where they believed detainees were taken. Many chanted slogans such as “Ice out of New York” and “No Ice, no KKK, no fascist USA.”
Videos from the raid show armed, masked federal agents detaining a man with zip ties and pushing back bystanders. Large groups of onlookers followed the agents through the streets. An armored vehicle was also seen moving through Manhattan during the operation.
“Is this worth the paycheck? Selling your soul?” a woman shouted at the agents during the protest.
Onlookers reported that more than 50 federal agents took part in the raid in an area known for daily sales of counterfeit handbags, jewelry, and other goods, often to tourists. Witnesses said at least seven people were taken into custody, though exact numbers remain unclear.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the operation focused on criminal activity related to selling counterfeit goods. Ice led the raid with support from the FBI, U.S. Border Patrol, and other federal agencies.
Murad Awawdeh, vice president of advocacy at the New York Immigration Coalition, condemned the raid. He said between 15 and 40 vendors were arrested and that at least two locals were detained for protesting. “You don’t see these scenes in democracy. You see them in fascist regimes,” Awawdeh told a crowd.
City Council member Christopher Marte also criticized the raid. “The amount of weapons pointed at bystanders is something I’ve never seen in my life,” he said.
The NYPD said it had no role in the federal operation. However, witnesses said riot police arrested several protesters during the event. Mayor Eric Adams reinforced the city’s stance, emphasizing that New York does not cooperate with federal authorities on civil deportations. He noted that city resources focus on violent criminals, not undocumented residents seeking the American dream.
Mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo criticized the raid. Mamdani called it “aggressive and reckless,” while Cuomo said it was “more about fear than justice, more about politics than safety.” Governor Kathy Hochul also condemned the raid, saying Trump’s administration uses fear tactics instead of protecting New Yorkers.
City Council member Shahana Hanif called the tactics “unacceptable, immoral, and unjust,” urging continued opposition to Ice’s methods.
Ice raids with masked and armed agents have become common in immigrant neighborhoods across the U.S., often sparking protests. Recent raids in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland have drawn attention for using force.
Tuesday’s Chinatown operation follows a 16 October Ice raid in midtown Manhattan, which targeted a migrant shelter. Past incidents show Ice using extreme measures, including pepper-ball attacks and body-slamming civilians. In one New York case, an agent was briefly relieved of duty after forcefully handling a woman in court.
In 2025, immigrants without criminal records are now the largest group in Ice detention. The agency has also detained at least 170 U.S. citizens this year.
Tuesday’s protests highlight growing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and communities in New York City. Demonstrators continue to demand accountability and safe treatment of immigrant residents.