🔗 Share this article

The state AG has introduced a new online portal encouraging citizens to submit visual evidence of ICE operations around the state. This step comes just a day after a major ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Held During ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a statement.

"For those who saw and captured immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to provide that evidence with my office. We are committed to assessing these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal includes fields to submit images and video footage of the incident, as well as a field to indicate location information. Prior to sending, users must tick a option that states that "authorities could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say featured dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a famous area of Manhattan where imitation purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily widely – typically to visitors.

Footage of the operation show numerous masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He clarified the persons were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to deploy the troops to stop conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – every mayoral candidates denounced the raid, along with the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration selects oppressive displays that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a contender stated.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This action had no connection to community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," remarked the president of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it does not take into custody US citizens. However, independent reporting has found that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in New York and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace along with claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.