🔗 Share this article

New York state AG has rolled out a recent online portal encouraging locals to share visual evidence of immigration raids throughout the state. This step comes just a shortly after a major immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread protests.

American Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity during the raid, I ask you to share that material with us. We are pledged to reviewing these reports and determining any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form offers options to upload visual evidence of the incident, as well as a area to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, users must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included over fifty ICE personnel, took place in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – typically to sightseers.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show multiple masked and armed personnel restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back bystanders. Crowds of locals followed the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed moving along the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He said the individuals were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is merely a excuse to generate turmoil for this administration to deploy the troops to stop unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every political contenders condemned the incident, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government selects oppressive displays that generate terror, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the president of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it refrains from apprehend American nationals. However, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in the state and across the US recently.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the present government. Protests targeting federal operations are ubiquitous along with claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document submitted by civil rights groups stated inadequate care of women with child in ICE facilities.