🔗 Share this article

The state AG has introduced a fresh online portal urging residents to share images and footage of ICE operations around the state. This move comes just a day after a significant enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering mass outcry.

American Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations occurred in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a release.

"Anyone who observed and recorded federal operations yesterday, I ask you to share that evidence with us. We are committed to examining these submissions and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal includes options to submit visual evidence of the raid, along with a area to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a option that states that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available en masse – often to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict several masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of locals pursued the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored truck was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be taken for no reason." He said the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the armed forces to halt conflict that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – every mayoral candidates criticized the incident, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for oppressive displays that generate terror, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after street vendors working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it refrains from take into custody citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against federal operations are commonplace along with accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a document filed by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.