Operation not permitted when executing ls in home directory I want to list all the files inside `~/Downloads` directory on macOS Catalina. When I execute `ls` I get the following error: ls ls: .: Operation not permitted `ls` command works in other directories (Desktop, Documents, etc.): What is the problem? How can I fix it? drwx------ 2 subdan staff 64 Feb 17 2020 Applications drwx------@ 7 subdan staff 224 Sep 21 20:04 Desktop drwx------@ 14 subdan staff 448 Sep 21 18:24 Documents drwx------@ 7 subdan staff 224 Sep 21 19:54 Downloads drwx------@ 77 subdan staff 2464 Sep 21 10:11 Library drwx------+ 10 subdan staff 320 Jun 12 17:18 Movies drwx------+ 6 subdan staff 192 Jun 12 17:18 Music drwx------+ 15 subdan staff 480 Jun 12 17:18 Pictures drwxr-xr-x+ 5 subdan staff 160 Dec 30 2019 Public

Catalina has separate controls to limit access to Desktop, Documents and Downloads.

* go to System Preferences
* open "Security & Privacy"
* click on the "Privacy" tab
* in the list on the left select "Files and Folders"
* in list on the right look for "Terminal" (or iTerm if that is what you are using)
* enable the checkbox next to "Downloads Folder"