Overview
- The standoff began just before noon near Centre and Howard streets, where activists formed a human barricade and used debris to block exits from a federally owned parking garage.
- NYPD officers responded to a 911 call, ordered dispersal, deployed barricades and pepper spray, and took multiple people into custody, with reported arrests in the double digits.
- A convoy of federal vehicles eventually left the area, and no federal detentions on Canal Street were confirmed as the operation did not proceed that day.
- A DHS spokesperson said social media posts drew agitators who obstructed officers, while the NYPD denied coordinating with federal immigration enforcement despite accusations from local officials.
- A law enforcement official said HSI’s New York chief apologized to Commissioner Jessica Tisch for how the action unfolded, and it remains unclear if or when the operation will be rescheduled.