🔗 Share this article

The state AG has launched a fresh digital platform encouraging citizens to submit visual evidence of ICE operations around New York. This step comes just a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A US congressman revealed during a news conference that four US citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and captured ICE activity recently, I ask you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and determining any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form includes fields to send photos and videos of the raid, as well as a section to indicate location information. When submitting, submitters must mark a box that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say involved over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal several covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of residents followed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was observed rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He noted the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a pretext to provoke conflict for this administration to utilize the armed forces to prevent violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the political contenders denounced the operation, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups voiced concern also.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, masked agents and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," remarked the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it will not arrest or detain US citizens. However, independent reporting has found that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and across the US this year.

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Rallies against ICE are commonplace including allegations of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a letter submitted by legal entities stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.