Ice agents recently initiated large-scale immigration enforcement actions in Manhattan, New York, targeting areas associated with the sale of counterfeit merchandise. The operation unfolded on Canal Street in Lower Manhattan, where vendors were reportedly detained for selling illicit goods.

The scene saw heightened tension, with reports of physical confrontations and a crowd gathering as individuals were taken to Federal Plaza. Law enforcement agencies involved included ICE, along with the FBI and ATF, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS stated that some individuals in the area engaged in violent behavior, including obstructing agents and assaulting officers. One person was arrested for assault on a federal officer.

A statement from DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the operation’s focus on “criminal activity relating to selling counterfeit goods,” though no further details about arrests were provided at the time. The NYPD confirmed it did not participate in the federal action and made no arrests.