🔗 Share this article

The state attorney general has rolled out a recent reporting form encouraging citizens to share images and footage of ICE operations throughout New York. This step comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the AG declared in a statement.

"If you witnessed and captured ICE activity recently, I ask you to share that footage with us. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The platform offers spaces to send visual evidence of the incident, as well as a area to indicate location information. Before submitting, submitters must check a box that confirms that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say involved over fifty federal agents, occurred in a popular neighborhood of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – often to visitors.

Recordings of the incident show multiple masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back bystanders. Crowds of residents pursued the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, announced that four nationals were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He noted the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is simply a excuse to generate turmoil for federal officials to deploy the military to prevent unrest that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – all three political contenders condemned the operation, including NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

The city's immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Immigration agents descended on the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had no connection to public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it does not take into custody citizens. However, external research has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests targeting federal operations are ubiquitous along with claims of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a letter submitted by civil rights groups alleged medical neglect of women with child in government custody.