🔗 Share this article

The state AG has rolled out a recent online portal urging citizens to submit photos and videos of immigration raids throughout the state. This move follows a day after a major immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," state officials declared in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations recently, I urge you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal includes options to send visual evidence of the operation, as well as a area to indicate location information. Before submitting, individuals must mark a option that confirms that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved dozens of federal agents, occurred in a popular neighborhood of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – often to visitors.

Recordings of the incident show numerous covered and weaponized personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the officers through the streets. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for without cause." He clarified the persons were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This is a militarized effort to incite tension. It is simply a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to deploy the troops to prevent conflict that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the ICE raid quickly spread – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Once again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"Immigration agents raided the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on local sellers working to survive. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and communities," said the president of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it refrains from take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has discovered that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been becoming more common in the state and around the country lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace along with accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter submitted by advocacy organizations stated inadequate care of women with child in ICE facilities.