🔗 Share this article

New York state attorney general has introduced a fresh digital platform urging citizens to provide photos and videos of immigration raids around the state. This step comes just a day after a major ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale protests.

US Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and captured ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The form offers spaces to send photos and videos of the operation, plus a field to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, users must mark a checkbox that states that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved more than 50 federal agents, occurred in a famous district of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded en masse – often to visitors.

Recordings of the incident show numerous covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away onlookers. Crowds of residents pursued the personnel along the roads. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the urban roads.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He said the citizens were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to incite violence for the government to bring in the military to stop violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the operation, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on local sellers working to survive. This action had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it will not apprehend US citizens. Yet, external research has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

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

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting ICE are ubiquitous as are claims of aggression and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission provided by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of women with child in detention centers.