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New York state AG has launched a new online portal encouraging residents to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This step follows a shortly after a significant ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests occurred in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and captured ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to submit that footage with us. We are dedicated to examining these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The form includes options to submit visual evidence of the incident, along with a section to note location information. Before submitting, users must check a box that states that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a famous area of NYC where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded widely – often to visitors.

Videos of the operation reveal multiple covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside witnesses. Crowds of locals trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He clarified the persons were released on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he remarked. "This represents a military-style operation to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to deploy the troops to stop unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – every mayoral candidates criticized the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage too.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on small merchants working to survive. This action had no relation to public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has said it does not arrest or detain US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that numerous American nationals have been taken illegally by ICE since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in the state and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous as are allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission provided by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.