On a busy Tuesday afternoon in Chinatown, federal agents moved in on Canal Street, making several arrests of street vendors. New Yorkers say it's the first time they've seen this type of federal operation take place on the street. What You Need To Know On Tuesday afternoon in Chinatown, federal agents moved in on Canal Street, making several arrests of street vendors It's unclear how many immigrants were arrested. Advocates say as few as 15 and as many as 40 could have been taken into custody City Hall says the NYPD was not involved and enforcement remained federal “It was something I haven't seen. I haven't seen this type of military force in Lower Manhattan, probably since days after 9/11,” Councilmember Christopher Marte said. Federal officials say the arrests were part of a targeted operation focused on counterfeit goods, claiming some protesters became violent, blocking vehicles and assaulting officers. City Hall said the NYPD was not involved and enforcement remained federal. “This has nothing to do with hardened criminals. This has nothing to do with public safety,” Public Advocate Jumanne Williams said. By nightfall, more protesters had gathered at Federal Plaza, joined by elected officials who warned this may not be the last time. “This might become the new normal in New York unless we come out, protest and push back from these practices," Marte said. It's unclear how many immigrants were arrested. Advocates said as few as 15 and as many as 40 could have been taken into custody. Meanwhile, the NYPD said two protesters were arrested. Members from the New York Immigration Coalition, elected officials, member organizations and community leaders held an emergency rally in response to the ICE raid on Canal Street. Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of NYIC, called the events a “horrifying display of federal overreach and authoritarian tactics.” “ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to target street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities. Federal agents created a violent spectacle, tackling bystanders to the ground and using force against New Yorkers simply for doing what they do every day," the statement reads.