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The state AG has rolled out a recent online portal encouraging citizens to provide images and footage of immigration raids throughout New York. This move follows a shortly after a major immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A lawmaker revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to reside free from terror," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity recently, I encourage you to submit that evidence with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form offers fields to submit visual evidence of the raid, plus a section to specify geographic details. Before submitting, individuals must mark a checkbox that confirms that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved dozens of federal agents, occurred in a well-known district of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – often to sightseers.

Footage of the operation show multiple masked and armed personnel securing and holding a individual, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of locals followed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

During a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He clarified the citizens were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman remarked. "This represents a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the military to halt violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action quickly spread – each of the political contenders criticized the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

NYC community groups spoke out also.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it will not apprehend American nationals. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that numerous American nationals have been taken illegally by ICE since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests targeting federal operations are ubiquitous including accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter filed by civil rights groups stated inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.