Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in New York City on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, after federal agents conducted raids in the Chinatown neighbourhood, detaining an unknown number of individuals in an operation targeting the sale of counterfeit goods. The protests, which began in the evening, saw demonstrators converge near the 26 Federal Plaza Immigration Building, believed to be where the detainees were taken. Chants of "Ice out of New York" and "No Ice, no KKK, no fascist USA" filled the air, reflecting strong opposition to the federal action.

Videos circulating from the scene depicted masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, while also pushing away onlookers. An armoured military vehicle was also observed in the city streets, intensifying the public's reaction. One woman was heard shouting at agents, questioning, "Is this worth the paycheck? Selling your soul?"

Historical and Political Context

The raid, which witnesses estimated involved over 50 federal agents, occurred in a section of Manhattan renowned for the open sale of counterfeit handbags, accessories, and other goods, often to tourists. While the New York Police Department (NYPD) has previously conducted similar operations against counterfeit merchandise, these have typically been without federal intervention.

This incident follows a raid on October 16, 2025, in midtown Manhattan, which was reportedly the first known raid on a migrant shelter by the current Trump administration. Mayor Eric Adams of New York City distanced the city from the operation, stating that New York City does not cooperate with federal law enforcement on civil deportations. He emphasised that undocumented New Yorkers pursuing their "American Dreams" should not be targets, and resources should instead focus on violent criminals.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the operation was "focused on criminal activity relating to selling counterfeit goods." Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for DHS, stated that the operation was a "targeted, intelligence-driven enforcement operation" led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI, and US Border Patrol, among other federal partners including the DEA, ATF, and IRS-CI.

McLaughlin also reported that during the operation, "rioters who were shouting obscenities, became violent and obstructed law enforcement duties," leading to at least one arrest for assault on a federal officer.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Murad Awawdeh, Vice-President of Advocacy at the New York Immigration Coalition, condemned the raid, stating that between 15 and 40 vendors were arrested. He accused the Trump administration of creating a "violent spectacle" and asserted that the operation was not about public safety but about "terrorizing immigrant families and communities."

City Councilmember Christopher Marte, representing the area, called the operation "a horrifying display of federal overreach." He argued that ICE has no place in New York City, especially in Chinatown, "terrorizing our immigrant neighbors with military vehicles and masked agents."

Evidence/Data Box

• Date of Raid: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
• Location: Canal Street, Chinatown, Lower Manhattan, New York City
• Agencies Involved: ICE, FBI, US Border Patrol, DEA, ATF, IRS-CI
• Stated Purpose: Targeting criminal activity related to selling counterfeit goods
• Detentions: Unknown number; a witness reported at least seven, while advocates claimed between 15 and 40 vendors were arrested.
• Protester Arrests: At least one individual arrested for assault on a federal officer.

Unknowns and Controversies

The exact number of individuals detained during the raid remains unclear. While a witness reported seeing at least seven people taken into custody, the New York Immigration Coalition suggested the number could be between 15 and 40 vendors. The NYPD stated they had no involvement in the operation.

The timing of the raid has also drawn scrutiny, with some reports suggesting it followed a complaint by a conservative influencer on social media who urged ICE to investigate the area for "illegals" selling goods.

What to Watch

The protests highlight ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local authorities in sanctuary cities like New York. Further developments are anticipated as civil rights and immigration advocacy groups continue to monitor the situation and potentially pursue legal avenues. The response from federal and local officials regarding the conduct of the raid and the treatment of detainees will be crucial.