A New York City woman in a polka-dot dress became an overnight sensation after confronting ICE agents in Manhattan.
The woman, who remains unidentified, wore a blue polka-dot dress, a navy blazer, and red shoes during the altercation.
Video shows her flipping off an ICE Humvee while keeping agents away from their target.
She shoved an agent in a bulletproof vest while holding her work tote, a social media clip revealed.
The woman also used her elbow to keep the officer back and yelled at him, though what she said is unclear.
She was seen recording the agent while blocking others as he approached.
The raid took place on Tuesday around 3 p.m. on Canal Street, known for counterfeit goods and designer knockoffs.
At least 14 people were arrested during the operation, including immigrants and demonstrators.
It’s unknown if the polka-dot woman was detained.
Her response made her an online hero to leftists, as the Daily Mail reported.
“One woman in a polka-dot dress showing more courage than half of Congress ever will. ICE tried. She didn’t flinch. Be The Polka-Dot Lady. Every-Damn-Time,” one X user wrote.
Another added, “SHOUTOUT TO THE QUEEN IN THE POLKA DOT DRESS THOOOOO.”
A third comment read, “To the strong woman with the polka dot dress fighting ICE [Tuesday] in NYC, you are an inspiration!!”
“HAIL TO THE NYC POLKA DOT DRESS LADY!!! HEROINE!” a fourth wrote.
A fifth praised her courage in a long X post: “May both sides of your pillow always remain cool. May your coffee always have the perfect coffee/cream/sugar ratio. May you always get a seat on the train. May your bagel have the perfect schmear.”
NYPD confirmed it had no involvement in the operation.
A spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams echoed, “We never cooperate with federal law enforcement on civil deportation matters, in accordance with local laws, and have no involvement in this matter.”
The Department of Homeland Security called it a targeted operation focused on counterfeit goods.
ICE acting Director Todd Lyons said it was “definitely intelligence-driven. It’s not random. We’re just not pulling people off the street.”
Some vendors criticized the operation as heavy-handed.
Raids like this are common on Canal Street to combat counterfeiting.
Homeland Security said nine people were arrested in the initial sweep.
Four more were charged with assaulting federal officers, and a fifth with obstructing law enforcement.
McLaughlin added that some arrestees had prior offenses, including robbery, domestic violence, assaulting law enforcement, counterfeiting, and drug crimes.
