🔗 Share this article

The state AG has rolled out a recent online portal asking locals to submit visual evidence of immigration raids across New York. This move follows a day after a major ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass protests.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Protests occurred in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," the AG stated in a release.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity recently, I encourage you to submit that material with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal includes spaces to submit photos and videos of the incident, plus a area to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, individuals must tick a box that acknowledges that "the office may use any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured more than 50 government officers, took place in a popular area of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – often to sightseers.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict several masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Masses of residents followed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the city streets.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the individuals were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the military to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the current administration opts for oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. However, independent reporting has discovered that over 170 citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US recently.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting ICE are commonplace along with allegations of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission filed by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.