Large demonstrations broke out in New York City late Tuesday following a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting shops in Manhattan’s Chinatown district. The raids, which authorities said were part of a federal investigation into counterfeit goods and money laundering, led to an unspecified number of arrests and widespread public outcry.
Raids spark anger and confusion
Witnesses reported seeing dozens of ICE agents enter several retail premises near Canal Street and Mott Street early in the afternoon, seizing merchandise and detaining workers. Videos circulated online showing handcuffed individuals being escorted into unmarked vehicles as shop owners pleaded with officers.
By evening, crowds of protesters had gathered outside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, carrying banners reading “Stop targeting immigrants” and “Chinatown stands together.” Community leaders accused federal authorities of heavy-handed tactics and racial profiling, arguing that the operation unfairly targeted small immigrant-owned businesses already struggling after the pandemic.
Authorities defend the operation
In a brief statement, ICE officials confirmed the raids but declined to specify how many people were detained. The agency said the operation was “part of an ongoing investigation into intellectual property violations, financial crimes, and the trafficking of counterfeit luxury goods.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security added that the raids followed months of surveillance and coordination with other federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “These actions are directed at organised criminal networks, not at communities,” the statement read.
Community reaction and political fallout
New York City officials and advocacy groups reacted swiftly. Several city councillors called for an immediate inquiry into the raids, citing concerns about transparency and due process. Mayor Eric Adams urged federal authorities to “exercise sensitivity and restraint” in communities with high immigrant populations.
Chinatown business owners said they received no prior notice and described the raids as “chaotic” and “traumatising.” One shopkeeper told local reporters that ICE agents “treated everyone like criminals,” adding that employees were still too frightened to reopen their stores.
Broader tensions over enforcement
The incident comes amid renewed national debate over immigration enforcement and federal policing powers. ICE operations in major cities have long drawn criticism from civil rights groups, who argue that such raids erode community trust and disproportionately affect vulnerable residents.
As night fell, protesters vowed to continue demonstrations throughout the week, calling for the release of detainees and greater accountability from federal agencies.
Newshub Editorial in North America – 22 October 2025
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