Protests erupt in New York City after Ice raids Chinatown over ‘counterfeit goods’
Guardian1 day
Federal Raid in NYC's Chinatown Sparks Protests
Above: Protesters gathered in Lower Manhattan on Oct. 21, 2025. Image copyright: Selçuk Acar/Anadolu/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Federal agents conducted a lawful, intelligence-driven operation targeting criminal activity and counterfeit goods sales. When violent rioters obstructed law enforcement duties, blocked vehicles and assaulted federal officers, agents appropriately responded with necessary force to maintain order and complete their mission. The Trump administration continues to combat dangerous illegal immigration and related criminal activities.
Democratic narrative
Masked federal agents in military gear terrorized immigrant street vendors trying to make a living, sparking justified community outrage. This heavy-handed raid represents authoritarian overreach that creates fear rather than safety, targeting vulnerable people instead of actual threats to public security. This federal action will be investigated by New York state officials.