Overview
- Department of Homeland Security officials described the Canal Street operation as a targeted, intelligence‑driven sweep involving ICE, HSI, CBP, FBI, DEA, ATF and IRS‑CI, with an armored DHS vehicle observed on nearby streets.
- Agents detained multiple people and confronted crowds that tried to block vehicles, with witnesses reporting batons, shields and chemical spray; DHS said at least one person was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a federal officer.
- The NYPD said it had no involvement in the federal action, and Mayor Eric Adams’ office reiterated that the city does not cooperate with civil deportation enforcement under local sanctuary laws.
- Hundreds gathered outside 26 Federal Plaza on Tuesday evening, where local elected officials joined demonstrators and renewed calls for accountability, including demands that NYPD intervene if federal agents act unlawfully.
- Several outlets noted that posts by influencer Savanah Hernandez urging federal agencies to “check out” Canal Street preceded the sweep, raising questions about social‑media tips and enforcement targeting.