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The state AG has introduced a new online portal asking citizens to provide visual evidence of immigration raids throughout New York. This step follows a day after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

American Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A US congressman announced during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to exist without intimidation," the AG declared in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to submit that footage with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal provides spaces to submit visual evidence of the incident, as well as a section to specify location information. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a option that states that "authorities might employ any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily en masse – often to visitors.

Footage of the operation show multiple covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of residents trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed moving along the urban roads.

Political Response

At a Wednesday press conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be taken for unjustly." He noted the persons were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This represents a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for federal officials to utilize the armed forces to prevent violence that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the operation, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, rather than security. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

NYC community groups spoke out as well.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and communities," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it does not arrest or detain US citizens. However, external research has found that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

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

An October operation in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against ICE are widespread including accusations of force and abusive practices.

Most recently, a letter submitted by legal entities alleged medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.