🔗 Share this article

New York state AG has launched a new reporting form urging locals to submit photos and videos of ICE operations throughout the state. This move comes just a shortly after a major enforcement action disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread outcry.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen deserves to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and recorded federal operations recently, I urge you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The form offers fields to upload photos and videos of the raid, as well as a area to indicate location information. Before submitting, submitters must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say included more than 50 government officers, occurred in a well-known area of the city where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of the incident reveal several hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a person, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of locals followed the officers along the roads. An military-style transport was also seen moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a lawmaker, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He noted the citizens were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman said. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to deploy the military to stop conflict that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the operation, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government chooses authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, instead of protection. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

The city's community groups spoke out also.

"Federal officers raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it will not apprehend American nationals. However, independent reporting has revealed that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the present government.

Current Situation

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

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are commonplace as are claims of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission filed by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of pregnant women in detention centers.