NY Mayor and Police Step Back from ICE Raids as Chinatown Protests Heat Up – US Politics Live

Welcome to our live coverage of US political developments. We begin with a statement from New York City’s mayor, who firmly declared that the city had no participation in the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations conducted in Chinatown, which were connected to the crackdown on the sale of counterfeit merchandise.

Mayor Eric Adams amplified a message from the New York Police Department (NYPD) on social media, where the department clarified that it was not involved in the federal enforcement action that took place on Canal Street earlier that day.

In his response, Adams reiterated the NYPD’s position and stressed:

“New York City does not collaborate with federal authorities on civil immigration enforcement, in line with our local statutes.

As we continue to gather information, residents should be assured that the city is not engaged in these activities. Our administration has consistently maintained that undocumented New Yorkers striving to achieve their American aspirations should not be targeted by law enforcement; instead, efforts should concentrate on apprehending violent offenders.”

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Following the raids, which focused on the alleged sale of counterfeit goods, hundreds gathered in protest across New York City on Tuesday evening. The operations earlier that day led to an unspecified number of detentions within the Chinatown district.

Protesters convened near the 26 Federal Plaza Immigration Building in lower Manhattan, where they believed detainees were being held. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “ICE out of New York” and “No ICE, no KKK, no fascist USA,” expressing their opposition to the federal actions.

Footage from the scene shows numerous armed and masked federal agents restraining individuals with zip ties and pushing back bystanders. Large groups of New Yorkers followed the agents through city streets and sidewalks, while an armored vehicle was also observed navigating the area.

One woman was heard confronting the agents, questioning, “Is this paycheck worth selling your soul?”

The raid reportedly involved over 50 federal officers and took place in a well-known Manhattan area famous for the daily sale of counterfeit handbags, jewelry, and accessories, often purchased by tourists.

While the exact number of arrests remains unclear, an eyewitness informed the New York Daily News that at least seven people were taken into custody during the operation.

For a comprehensive account, see the full report here:

Protests erupt in New York City after ICE raids Chinatown over ‘counterfeit goods’