🔗 Share this article

New York state attorney general has introduced a recent online portal encouraging locals to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This step comes just a day after a major immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering mass outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations during the raid, I ask you to share that evidence with my office. We are committed to examining these accounts and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The portal provides spaces to upload images and video footage of the raid, plus a section to indicate location information. Prior to sending, users must tick a checkbox that states that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say featured more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known area of Manhattan where imitation purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily widely – typically to tourists.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict multiple masked and armed federal agents securing and holding a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of New Yorkers pursued the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen moving along the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference held with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the persons were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the armed forces to prevent conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

New York City community groups voiced concern also.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has claimed it refrains from arrest or detain American nationals. However, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in the state and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Demonstrations against ICE are widespread as are allegations of aggression and abusive practices.

Latest, a document submitted by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.