🔗 Share this article

The state AG has rolled out a fresh online portal asking locals to provide images and footage of ICE operations throughout New York. This step comes just a day after a major immigration operation disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass outcry.

US Citizens Held In Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a news conference that four citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents has the right to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented federal operations during the raid, I urge you to submit that footage with us. We are committed to examining these reports and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form offers spaces to upload visual evidence of the operation, as well as a area to specify where it occurred. When submitting, users must mark a option that states that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included more than 50 government officers, took place in a well-known district of Manhattan where counterfeit products and additional items are commonly traded widely – frequently to visitors.

Footage of the incident depict multiple covered and weaponized officers zip-tying and detaining a person, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of residents followed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a news conference featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman said. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the military to prevent conflict that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the Trump administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

The city's community groups voiced concern also.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to target local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it refrains from apprehend American nationals. However, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the beginning of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in the state and around the country lately.

A recent action in the city center was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests against ICE are ubiquitous including claims of force and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in ICE facilities.