🔗 Share this article

New York state AG has launched a recent reporting form encouraging citizens to submit images and footage of immigration raids across New York. This step comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid shook Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting widespread outcry.

American Citizens Arrested During Raid

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to share that evidence with my office. We are committed to examining these submissions and determining any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The platform includes spaces to send images and video footage of the operation, as well as a field to note where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must mark a box that states that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included dozens of ICE personnel, occurred in a popular area of Manhattan where counterfeit products and additional items are sold daily en masse – often to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident reveal several covered and weaponized personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the personnel along the roads. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be taken for without cause." He said the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the troops to stop conflict that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a contender stated.

The city's community groups voiced concern as well.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on local sellers working to survive. This action had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," remarked the president of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it does not arrest or detain citizens. However, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by ICE during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been becoming more common in the state and nationwide recently.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are widespread along with allegations of aggression and abusive practices.

Recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations stated inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.