Influencers React to Illegal Vendors in Chinatown
MAGA influencers were taken aback by the surge of illegal sidewalk vendors in Chinatown, prompting them to share videos online that may have alerted federal authorities to the chaotic situation.
Influencer Savana Hernandez posted a video from Canal Street on Sunday. This was just two days before federal immigration agents moved in and arrested nine undocumented immigrants from Africa. Hernandez expressed her shock at the unauthorized vendors, noting a similarity to a recent report she did on illegal immigration in Paris. “It looked just like Canal Street,” she said. “This worried me because it shows how serious New York’s immigration issue is, despite President Trump’s efforts for mass deportations.”
“I wanted to bring attention to this area to help clean it up,” she explained, mentioning the frustration New Yorkers felt navigating the crowded streets. Interestingly, she observed that many of the immigrants were active in filming her, despite their unfamiliarity with First Amendment rights.
Hernandez, originally from Texas, isn’t certain if her viral post led to the ICE intervention on Tuesday. However, she had tagged ICE and the Department of Homeland Security in her posts. “Maybe they’re looking at my account,” she speculated, although she hadn’t been in touch with them directly.
The issues on Canal Street have been widely reported, with unlicensed vendors selling everything from counterfeit handbags to stolen tools, which complicates business for legitimate shop owners.
“They occupy the sidewalk,” a frustrated merchant remarked. “People can’t get through, and when we try to talk to them, they want to fight.” Another shopkeeper noted that most of the vendors were new and didn’t seem to regard the problems they caused.
The NYPD’s Life Improvement Unit has conducted multiple operations to clear the sidewalks, but residents claim the vendors just retreat temporarily before returning. A recent federal investigation confirmed that the nine arrested were undocumented immigrants, with several having criminal backgrounds.
Hernandez mentioned she’s been covering New York’s immigration challenges since 2023, reflecting on footage from various immigrant processing centers. “A lot of people laughed at my video, saying this has been happening for decades. But honestly, who cares?” she added, emphasizing the ongoing dilemma.
