Overview
- Homeland Security said ICE and partner agencies carried out a targeted, intelligence‑driven operation on Canal Street focused on criminal activity tied to counterfeit goods, naming FBI, DEA, ATF, IRS‑CI, CBP and HSI as participants.
- Crowds confronted agents who used batons and pepper spray as additional officers with long guns and an armored BearCat arrived, and DHS said at least one person was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a federal officer.
- Agents detained multiple people, with witnesses and advocates giving ranges from several to dozens, and detainees were taken toward 26 Federal Plaza as protests continued there.
- The NYPD stated it had no involvement, and Mayor Eric Adams reiterated the city does not cooperate on civil deportations, while Rep. Dan Goldman, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and others condemned the tactics and pressed for accountability.
- The sweep followed social‑media posts by influencer Savanah Hernandez drawing attention to the location, and advocates said they are verifying detainee identities and offering legal assistance.