🔗 Share this article

The state attorney general has rolled out a new online portal asking locals to provide photos and videos of immigration raids throughout New York. This step comes just a day after a high-profile enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering widespread protests.

US Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four citizens were detained and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented ICE activity recently, I encourage you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal offers fields to send images and video footage of the raid, plus a field to note where it occurred. Before submitting, users must tick a box that states that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say involved over fifty federal agents, happened in a famous district of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily widely – often to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of residents pursued the personnel through the streets. An armored truck was observed rolling through the urban roads.

Political Response

In a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the persons were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he remarked. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for the government to bring in the troops to halt unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation quickly spread – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern as well.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with tactical trucks, masked agents and riot gear to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has said it will not apprehend American nationals. Nevertheless, external research has found that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by ICE since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been becoming more common in NY and across the US lately.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests against federal operations are commonplace including allegations of violence and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission provided by civil rights groups claimed inadequate care of women with child in ICE facilities.