ICE Arrests Nine Migrant Vendors in New York Canal Street Raid, Sparking Protests and Fear

A recent ICE raid on New York City's Canal Street, known for its immigrant street vendors selling counterfeit luxury goods, has sparked widespread fear and confusion among the vendors and local community. The raid resulted in the arrest of several individuals, including some with legal status and U.S. citizenship, causing tension as many vendors disputed ICE's claims that the operation targeted criminal activity. Advocates and officials, such as Congressman Dan Goldman, condemned the raid and highlighted the impact of restrictive licensing laws that push migrants into informal, often criminalized commerce, with African and Black immigrants disproportionately affected. The involvement of a far-right informant reportedly targeting African and Caribbean vendors has further fueled outrage, with many viewing the raid as a deliberate attack on immigrant livelihoods rather than a genuine law enforcement effort. Vendors recounted the traumatic arrests of their friends and colleagues, noting that even those with official vendor licenses were not spared, and described an atmosphere of fear for their families and futures. The NYPD had no involvement in the raid, and local leaders are calling for more oversight and a coordinated response to prevent future abuses.