🔗 Share this article

New York state attorney general has launched a recent reporting form urging residents to provide visual evidence of immigration raids around New York. This action comes just a day after a major ICE raid disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering widespread protests.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and recorded federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to provide that material with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal offers options to send images and video footage of the raid, plus a section to note geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must check a box that confirms that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved over fifty ICE personnel, took place in a famous neighborhood of the city where imitation purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily en masse – often to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict several masked and armed officers securing and holding a man, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of locals pursued the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was observed rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He noted the persons were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This is a militarized effort to incite tension. It is simply a pretext to incite violence for this administration to deploy the armed forces to halt unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, including the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a contender stated.

NYC advocacy organizations expressed outrage too.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had nothing to do with citizen protection and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," stated the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has said it does not arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in NY and around the country recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are widespread including claims of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.