🔗 Share this article

New York state AG has rolled out a fresh reporting form urging residents to share photos and videos of immigration raids across New York. This action follows a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," state officials stated in a release.

"If you witnessed and captured ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to provide that evidence with us. We are committed to assessing these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal provides options to upload visual evidence of the raid, along with a section to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, users must tick a box that confirms that "authorities may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which witnesses say involved dozens of government officers, took place in a well-known area of Manhattan where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are regularly available widely – typically to sightseers.

Recordings of the operation show numerous covered and weaponized federal agents securing and holding a man, and pushing back bystanders. Crowds of residents followed the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration 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 legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the troops to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – every political contenders condemned the raid, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This operation had no relation to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the leader of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it refrains from apprehend US citizens. However, investigative journalism has found that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in the state and around the country recently.

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests opposing ICE are widespread including accusations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of pregnant women in government custody.