🔗 Share this article

The state AG has introduced a recent reporting form encouraging citizens to submit photos and videos of immigration raids throughout New York. This step comes just a day after a significant enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass outcry.

US Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents has the right to reside free from terror," state officials stated in a release.

"If you witnessed and recorded federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form includes options to upload images and video footage of the incident, plus a field to indicate location information. When submitting, users must tick a option that confirms that "the attorney general could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included more than 50 government officers, took place in a famous district of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded widely – typically to visitors.

Videos of the operation show several covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a man, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of locals pursued the officers along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four US citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for the government to deploy the troops to halt unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the federal action quickly spread – every mayoral candidates criticized the operation, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the federal government selects oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups voiced concern also.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to target local sellers working to survive. This action had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it refrains from take into custody citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has revealed that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests against ICE are commonplace as are claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission provided by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of expectant mothers in detention centers.