It feels like a constant chase, especially over counterfeit goods.
Despite earlier federal raids, illegal vendors are back on Canal Street, claiming their spots on the sidewalks. They scatter when they hear NYPD sirens, only to regroup shortly after.
This week in Chinatown, counterfeit sellers were busy peddling fake Louis Vuitton bags and negotiating prices on other imitation accessories. Local business owners mentioned that the black market activity seemed as rampant as ever, if not worse.
Some vendors have cars filled with merchandise, and many sport out-of-state plates from places like Virginia and North Carolina. Recently, several vehicles were spotted illegally parked right in front of fire hydrants.
“It’s such a hassle,” said a gift shop worker on Wednesday. “You can’t even walk through here.”
“It’s even crazier than it was before COVID,” the same employee added, clearly frustrated.
Local officials noted that the NYPD’s presence helps to scare off vendors—at least temporarily—since patrols occur regularly in the area.
On Wednesday, when police arrived around 12:45 PM, vendors took off, hastily gathering their items even while still trying to close deals with customers.
In the process, one vendor lost track of what looked like two fake Louis Vuitton belts.
Another seller, Yolo Dienzi, 46, was apprehended, with police stating he faced charges for trademark forgery.
“We are addressing community complaints,” an officer explained on-site.
This increased police visibility followed focused efforts by federal immigration agents last fall, which included several arrests downtown.
Still, according to another gift shop employee, the impact of ICE raids and police measures has been limited.
“They just come back. They’re always around, even when the cops leave,” he said. “Sometimes they block our entrance. We ask them to move, and occasionally they do, but other times they argue.”
Alam Molla, a newsstand owner, shared that police routinely make rounds in the area.
“These vendors could contribute positively if they helped out,” he expressed. “They make money here, so they should pay their fair share. I pay my taxes, but they don’t.”
John Lee, 29, a bakery worker, noted that “more stalls are popping up” and that some newcomers can be rude, causing conflicts over sidewalk space.
“I think there will be even more of them, especially on the weekends when it’s crowded and people have trouble getting inside,” Lee commented.
