🔗 Share this article

New York state attorney general has launched a recent online portal urging residents to share photos and videos of immigration raids across New York. This step comes just a day after a significant immigration operation rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were detained and held for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations yesterday, I ask you to share that evidence with us. We are committed to examining these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form offers options to upload images and video footage of the operation, along with a section to indicate geographic details. When submitting, submitters must mark a option that states that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured more than 50 government officers, occurred in a well-known district of Manhattan where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are regularly available en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Videos of the operation depict numerous masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers followed the officers along the roads. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

In a midweek briefing featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for no reason." He clarified the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman stated. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a excuse to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the military to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – each of the political contenders condemned the operation, along with the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, rather than security. It has to end," a political candidate stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups voiced concern as well.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This action had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it does not take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and nationwide lately.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are widespread including accusations of violence and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter provided by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.