🔗 Share this article

The state AG has rolled out a new digital platform asking locals to submit images and footage of ICE operations around the state. This move comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A lawmaker revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a release.

"If you witnessed and captured federal operations during the raid, I ask you to share that footage with the authorities. We are pledged to examining these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Submission Process

The platform provides fields to send visual evidence of the incident, as well as a area to specify location information. Before submitting, users must mark a box that states that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say involved over fifty government officers, took place in a famous area of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are regularly available en masse – often to sightseers.

Footage of the operation depict several masked and armed officers securing and holding a individual, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of locals followed the agents through the streets. An armored truck was observed moving along the city streets.

Political Response

During a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He noted the persons were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the troops to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the immigration operation escalated – every mayoral candidates condemned the raid, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," stated the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. Yet, external research has found that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and nationwide this year.

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies targeting ICE are ubiquitous as are allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter provided by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.