🔗 Share this article

New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent digital platform urging citizens to submit visual evidence of ICE operations across New York. This step comes just a day after a significant ICE raid shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and detained for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG wrote in a release.

"Anyone who observed and recorded federal operations recently, I urge you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to examining these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal provides options to upload visual evidence of the operation, as well as a field to note location information. Before submitting, users must tick a box that states that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a famous area of Manhattan where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are regularly available widely – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show numerous hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the officers along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He noted the persons were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman remarked. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the military to stop unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the ICE raid quickly spread – all three political contenders denounced the operation, including NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a contender wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage too.

"Immigration agents raided the neighborhood with tactical trucks, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to community security and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it will not take into custody US citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

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

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Demonstrations opposing immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a document provided by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of pregnant women in government custody.