🔗 Share this article

The state attorney general has rolled out a new digital platform asking citizens to submit visual evidence of ICE operations throughout New York. This step comes just a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread protests.

US Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were arrested and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Protests erupted in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented ICE activity recently, I urge you to share that evidence with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and determining any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form includes options to submit images and video footage of the raid, plus a area to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, users must mark a box that states that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which witnesses say featured over fifty government officers, occurred in a famous neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit products and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – often to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident show multiple hooded and equipped personnel securing and holding a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Masses of residents trailed the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was observed rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

In a midweek briefing organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, announced that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the troops to halt unrest that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the ICE raid quickly spread – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it does not take into custody citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Protests opposing ICE are widespread including allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a submission filed by civil rights groups alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in government custody.