🔗 Share this article

New York state AG has launched a fresh digital platform asking citizens to share images and footage of immigration raids across the state. This move comes just a day after a significant immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread protests.

American Citizens Detained During Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen deserves to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I ask you to provide that footage with us. We are committed to assessing these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform offers fields to send photos and videos of the incident, as well as a section to indicate where it occurred. Before submitting, users must mark a box that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved over fifty government officers, occurred in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where imitation purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict numerous covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a man, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers pursued the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be taken for unjustly." He said the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for this administration to utilize the armed forces to prevent unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the ICE raid quickly spread – every political contenders denounced the raid, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration opts for oppressive displays that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE descended on the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to community security and was entirely about frightening communities and communities," said the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has claimed it does not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in the state and across the US recently.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with claims of force and abusive practices.

Most recently, a letter filed by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.