🔗 Share this article

The state AG has rolled out a fresh digital platform urging residents to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This move follows a shortly after a major ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to share that evidence with my office. We are pledged to assessing these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form offers fields to send photos and videos of the operation, along with a area to note geographic details. Before submitting, users must tick a box that acknowledges that "the office might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which observers say featured dozens of government officers, occurred in a popular district of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded en masse – often to sightseers.

Footage of the incident depict several hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Throngs of locals trailed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference held with the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be taken for no reason." He clarified the citizens were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he remarked. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for this administration to bring in the military to stop conflict that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the ICE raid quickly spread – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration opts for oppressive displays that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

The city's advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"Immigration agents descended on the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to target street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to community security and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," said the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it will not take into custody citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has found that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US lately.

An October operation in the city center was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests targeting ICE are widespread including claims of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission submitted by legal entities claimed medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.