🔗 Share this article

New York state AG has launched a recent digital platform encouraging citizens to submit images and footage of immigration raids across the state. This step follows a day after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass outcry.

American Citizens Detained During Raid

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG declared in a statement.

"If you witnessed and captured ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to provide that material with us. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal offers options to send photos and videos of the raid, plus a field to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, users must check a box that confirms that "authorities might employ any evidence provided in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included over fifty federal agents, happened in a famous neighborhood of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are regularly available en masse – often to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict several covered and weaponized personnel securing and holding a person, and forcing aside bystanders. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the officers along the roads. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He said the citizens were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman said. "This represents a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to utilize the troops to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – all three political contenders criticized the incident, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender wrote.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and riot gear to focus on street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has claimed it refrains from arrest or detain US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has found that numerous citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

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

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the present government. Protests targeting federal operations are ubiquitous including accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.