"NEW YORK (AP) - An immigration enforcement sweep targeting vendors on New York City's famed Canal Street turned chaotic on Tuesday, as droves of bystanders and protesters surrounded federal agents and attempted to block them from carrying out the operation. The confrontation between the agents and hundreds of angry New Yorkers took place along a busy commercial thoroughfare that has long been a hub of the city's not-so-underground market for knock-off designer handbags, watches, perfumes and sunglasses as well as phones and other electronics."
"A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said the agents were carrying out an enforcement operation against sellers of "counterfeit goods" when "rioters who were shouting obscenities, became violent and obstructed law enforcement duties including blocking vehicles and assaulting law enforcement." At around 4 p.m., an Associated Press reporter observed dozens of federal agents as they made one of a number of arrests in the area, detaining a street vendor who appeared to be selling bedazzled smartphone cases."
"A contingent of protesters then surrounded the masked officers, attempting to block their vehicle from driving off as they shouted "ICE out of New York" and other chants. The agents, from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol and other federal offices were seen pushing protesters to the ground and threatening them with pepper spray, before detaining several of them. As more New Yorkers joined the fray, some of the federal agents retreated on foot, followed by jeering protesters and honking vehicles."
Federal immigration agents carried out an enforcement sweep targeting vendors on Canal Street that devolved into chaotic confrontations with bystanders and protesters. The operation occurred along a busy commercial thoroughfare known for a market of knock-off designer goods and electronics. Agents enforcing against sellers of counterfeit goods faced rioters who obstructed law enforcement duties, blocked vehicles and engaged in assaults. Dozens of federal agents made arrests, including a vendor appearing to sell bedazzled smartphone cases. Protesters surrounded masked officers, chanted and attempted to block vehicles; agents used force, threatened pepper spray and detained several people. Additional armed federal reinforcements arrived with a BearCat, and at least one person was arrested for assaulting an officer. The number of vendors detained was not disclosed.
Read at AP News
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