In the heart of New york city, street vendors have long been a vibrant part of the urban landscape. With the election of Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the passage of new vendor-friendly laws by the City Council, hopes were high that these entrepreneurs would finally find relief from what they perceived as overly aggressive enforcement by the NYPD.

However, recent data reveals a different reality. Despite the new laws, the NYPD has increased the issuance of criminal summonses for vending-related offenses in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2026. This trend raises questions about the effectiveness of the new regulations and the enforcement practices of the NYPD.

Increase in Criminal Summonses Despite New Laws

The data shows that in the first three months of 2026, the NYPD issued at least 564 criminal summonses for vending-related offenses. This is an increase from the 504 summonses issued during the same period in 2026. The new laws, which took effect on March 9, aimed to eliminate the issuance of criminal summonses for minor offenses such as standing within 10 feet of a crosswalk or not displaying a permit.

Most of the summonses issued in 2026 were for minor offenses. For example, 48 summonses were for blocking a crosswalk, 38 for failing to display permits, and 30 for operating in areas with place-and-time restrictions. While 189 summonses were for failing to have a license, a violation that can still result in a criminal summons, many of the other offenses should have been considered civil, not criminal, under the new laws.

Impact on Immigrant Vendors

The continued issuance of criminal summonses has a significant impact on immigrant vendors, who make up the vast majority of New York‘s street vendor workforce. A criminal summons requires the vendor to appear in criminal court, which can lead to a criminal record and potentially jeopardize their immigration status. If a vendor misses their court date, a warrant could be issued for their arrest.

On June 11, Monir, a 34-year-old Egyptian immigrant, was operating his halal cart in Midtown Manhattan when he was issued two criminal summonses for operating near a fire hydrant. Although he disputes being near a hydrant, under Local Law 122, he should have only been issued a civil summons. “Why did they write me criminal tickets?” Monir asked. “The criminal tickets should not be issued to vendors. We’re not criminals.”

Monir has experienced repeated summonses from the NYPD, despite the new laws. “I feel that I’m being harassed and targeted by these cops,” he said. “They come every day, and sometimes it’s the same people. I would tell them, ‘Come on, guys, leave me alone. I just got a ticket like a couple hours ago.'”

Advocates and Officials Respond

Advocates like the Street Vendor Project have criticized the NYPD’s continued enforcement actions. Mohamed Attia, managing director of the Street Vendor Project, stated, “When the New Yorker’s elected representatives pass a law to protect immigrants and treat our city’s smallest businesses fairly, the NYPD shouldn’t be allowed to just ignore it.” He also disagreed with the NYPD’s justification for relying on 311 complaints to issue criminal summonses.

City Councilmember Shekar Krishnan, the lead sponsor of Local Law 122, called for an investigation into the NYPD’s enforcement practices. “We passed historic legislation that ensures vendors no longer face jail time or the threat of deportation for simple vending violations,” he said. “It’s deeply troubling that the NYPD continues to issue criminal summonses and perpetuates fear among vendors.”

The NYPD defended its actions, stating that it continues to enforce quality of life complaints based on community feedback. A spokesperson for the NYPD said, “While the law passed in did eliminate some criminal penalties for vending-related offenses, it does not prohibit the use of criminal court summonses as an enforcement tool in connection with unlicensed vending.”

The Mayor’s Office of Economic Justice is also looking into the matter. Cassio Mendoza, Deputy Press Secretary, stated that the administration is meeting directly with vendors to address their concerns and solicit feedback to inform future policies.