🔗 Share this article

New York state attorney general has introduced a new digital platform urging citizens to share images and footage of immigration raids across the state. This action comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread protests.

US Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were detained and held for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Protests erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

"If you witnessed and captured federal operations yesterday, I ask you to provide that footage with my office. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form includes options to submit photos and videos of the operation, as well as a field to specify location information. When submitting, individuals must mark a box that states that "the office could utilize any evidence provided in a public document, including in a court case or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which witnesses say featured dozens of ICE personnel, occurred in a famous district of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident reveal several masked and armed personnel securing and holding a person, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the agents along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the urban roads.

Political Response

In a news conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He clarified the persons were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a justification to generate turmoil for this administration to deploy the troops to stop unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action escalated – every political contenders criticized the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups voiced concern also.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the bureau has claimed it will not take into custody citizens. However, investigative journalism has found that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Protests against immigration enforcement are widespread as are allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter provided by legal entities claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in detention centers.