Hundreds of people gathered in New York City on Tuesday night after federal immigration agents carried out raids in the Chinatown neighborhood. The operation, led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, targeted vendors accused of selling counterfeit goods. The raids quickly led to large protests and widespread criticism from city officials and residents. Witnesses said that dozens of armed agents arrived in lower Manhattan earlier in the day. They detained several people and closed many street stalls. Videos posted online showed masked officers zip-tying a man and pushing bystanders away. Crowds followed the agents through the streets as an armored vehicle moved alongside them. By the evening, protesters had gathered outside the Federal Plaza Immigration Building. Many believed that the detainees had been taken there. People chanted “ICE out of New York” and “No ICE, no fascist USA” as they called for the release of those arrested. According to onlookers, more than fifty agents were part of the operation. The area raided is well known for its busy market of handbags, jewelry, and accessories sold to tourists. Federal officials later said the raid focused on criminal activity linked to counterfeit products. Authorities did not confirm how many people were detained, but advocacy groups said between fifteen and forty vendors were taken into custody. Two protesters were also arrested for blocking the agents’ movement during the raid. City leaders and human rights groups condemned the heavy-handed approach. Council member Christopher Marte said he was alarmed by the amount of force used and the number of weapons pointed at bystanders. He described it as something he had never seen before in his life. Mayor Eric Adams said the city had no role in the operation and reminded the public that local laws prevent cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in civil deportations. He stressed that undocumented New Yorkers trying to build a life should not be targeted and that efforts should focus instead on violent criminals. Other political figures across New York shared similar reactions. Some called the raid an abuse of power and claimed it was meant to spread fear rather than ensure safety. One lawmaker described the event as “more about politics than justice.” They urged the federal government to review how immigration operations are conducted and to respect the city’s stance on protecting immigrants. Tuesday’s raid was not an isolated case. ICE raids have been increasing in major U.S. cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. Each operation has sparked protests and raised concerns about excessive force. Only a week earlier, a raid took place in midtown Manhattan, marking the first one on a migrant shelter under the current administration. In several cases across the country, ICE agents have been accused of using pepper spray and batons against civilians. For New York’s Chinatown, the latest raid created fear and uncertainty among local residents. Many of the street vendors are immigrants who rely on their small businesses for survival. Some said they now fear going to work or opening their stalls. Community leaders have called for legal support for the detained vendors and for greater transparency from federal authorities. They argue that such raids harm local economies and damage the trust between immigrants and the government. Immigration advocates said the raid is part of a larger shift in enforcement priorities. Many people detained by ICE have no criminal record, yet face detention or deportation. Recent reports claim that at least 170 U.S. citizens have been detained by ICE this year, adding to the growing concern about accountability and oversight. Protesters vowed to continue demonstrating until the arrested vendors are released. Advocacy groups said they plan to hold more rallies and community meetings in the coming days. They want officials to investigate the raid and demand that federal agencies respect the city’s immigrant population. The usually busy streets of Chinatown were quiet after the raid. Many stalls remained closed as vendors stayed home in fear of further action. Residents said the operation sent a chilling message to hardworking people who are part of New York’s cultural and economic life. For many, the raid symbolized the deep divide between federal enforcement tactics and the city’s commitment to protect its immigrant communities.