ICE clash with NYC protestors after immigration sweep descends into chaos
The showdown on the streets of New York is just the latest of a long list of incidents where immigration raids are being met by furious locals
An anti-immigration sweep targeting street vendors on New York's iconic Canal Street turned violent after angry locals, many of them on their way back from work, surrounded the federal agents.
The protestors attempted to block them from driving off, prompting arrests and fierce standoffs along the bustling Manhattan street.
The confrontation began shortly after 4 pm, as federal agents fanned out across a section of Chinatown that has long served as a market for knock-off designer handbags, watches, perfumes, electronics and other goods. This comes as part of a wider immigration crack down across the US.
Agents were spotted detaining a street vendor selling bedazzled smartphone cases, one of a number of arrests in the area.
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In response, a contingent of protesters, many of whom appeared to be on their way home from work, surrounded the masked officers, attempting to block their vehicle as they shouted “ICE out of New York” and called on other pedestrians to join them.
Agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol and other federal offices then tried to clear the streets, in some cases shoving protesters to the ground and threatening them with pepper spray before detaining them.
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, said the agents were conducting an enforcement operation against sellers of “counterfeit goods”
“During this law enforcement operation, rioters who were shouting obscenities, became violent and obstructed law enforcement duties including blocking vehicles and assaulting law enforcement,” she said.
At least one person was arrested for assaulting an officer, McLaughlin said.
1 of 12 Federal agents walk down Lafayette Street as demonstrators follow along after an immigration sweep on Canal Street, New York.
The protestors attempted to block them from driving off.
(Image:AP)2 of 12 A woman stands in front of an armored vehicle operated by federal agents.
The confrontation began shortly after 4 pm.
(Image:AP)3 of 12 The situation got heated as New Yorkers reacted furiously to the immigration raid.
Canal Street is famous for its not-so-underground market for knock-off goods.
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4 of 12 A New York Police Department officer grabs a demonstrator.
(Image:AP)5 of 12 Protesters march during a protest against the immigration crackdown.
(Image:AP)6 of 12 New York's was one of many protests that have taken place across the country in response to ICE's actions.
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7 of 12 Protesters holds signs and shout slogans during a protest
(Image:AP)8 of 12 A New York Police Department officer carries a barricade during the protest.
(Image:AP)9 of 12 Federal agents walk down Lafayette Street.
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10 of 12 New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams participates in the protest.
(Image:AP)11 of 12 Protestors face off with police.
(Image:AP)12 of 12 The protest went on into the night.
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