🔗 Share this article

The state AG has introduced a fresh online portal urging locals to submit photos and videos of ICE operations across the state. This step comes just a day after a significant ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to share that footage with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and evaluating any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal provides fields to send images and video footage of the incident, as well as a field to note location information. Before submitting, individuals must check a checkbox that confirms that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage 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 ICE personnel, took place in a famous area of NYC where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are regularly available in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict several masked and armed federal agents securing and holding a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He said the individuals were released on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the troops to halt unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the federal action quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out as well.

"Federal officers targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and riot gear to target small merchants trying to make a living. This action had no relation to public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it will not arrest or detain US citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has found that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the beginning of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in the state and around the country lately.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Protests against ICE are widespread including allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter provided by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of women with child in government custody.