NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch informed about Canal Street ICE raid ahead of time by Trump administration.
In an unprecedented revelation, it has come to light that Jessica Tisch, the NYPD Commissioner, received prior notification from the Trump administration regarding an imminent ICE enforcement operation along Canal Street in Manhattan. The operation, which occurred on October 21, 2025, led to the arrest of nine individuals alleged to be undocumented street vendors. This initiative, widely viewed as part of the Trump administration’s intensified immigration policies, prompted considerable protests and public dissent in the city.
Upon receiving the advance alert, Tisch instructed NYPD officers to maintain distance from the ICE agents during the operation. This decision was made in alignment with New York City’s sanctuary policies, which prohibit local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement agencies. A spokesperson for the NYPD confirmed that this directive aimed to prevent any potential conflicts between city police and federal agents, thus reinforcing the city’s commitment to maintaining its status as a sanctuary for immigrants.
The advance notice of the operation, however, raises several complex issues for Zohran Mamdani, the mayoral-elect who has expressed intent to retain Tisch in her role following his inauguration on January 1, 2026. Mamdani, identifying as a democratic socialist, has promised to counter President Trump’s “mass deportation” agenda and uphold protections for undocumented New Yorkers not accused of serious crimes. He has also indicated a desire to legally hold ICE agents accountable for any violations of local laws during his administration.
The topic of Tisch’s communication with the Trump administration has sparked controversy. At a recent mayoral debate, Mamdani characterized ICE as a “reckless entity,” stressing the need for a severance of collaboration between city authorities and federal enforcement. Despite the backdrop of political tension, Mamdani’s spokesperson has stated that he believes Tisch acted correctly by not involving the NYPD in the ICE operation.
In the context of Mayor Eric Adams’s past commitments to maintain a neutral stance regarding Trump, the implications of Tisch’s advance notice may complicate her future, especially if Mamdani ascends to office. It remains uncertain whether similar notifications will be extended to Tisch if she continues as commissioner under Mamdani’s leadership, considering his vocal criticisms of the former president, who has labeled him as “a communist.”
An NYPD spokesperson confirmed that Tisch were informed about the operation roughly four hours before it commenced. She subsequently communicated this information to the mayor’s office and directed officers to avoid engagement in the raid. Following the operation, the NYPD was later deployed to manage protests at the federal immigration agency’s headquarters, reflecting the city’s ongoing struggle to balance local policies with federal immigration enforcement initiatives.
As tensions surrounding immigration enforcement continue to escalate, the dynamics between local and federal authorities in New York City will remain closely scrutinized in the coming months. The developments surrounding Tisch, the ICE operation, and Mamdani’s forthcoming administration may significantly shape the future of immigration policy implementation in the city.
