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New York state AG has introduced a recent online portal encouraging residents to submit visual evidence of immigration raids throughout New York. This action follows a shortly after a significant ICE raid shook Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," state officials wrote 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 submissions and determining any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal offers fields to submit photos and videos of the operation, as well as a area to note where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must tick a box that acknowledges that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a court case or government document."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which witnesses say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where imitation products and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict several covered and weaponized personnel restraining and arresting a person, and forcing aside witnesses. Masses of residents followed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Leadership Statements

In a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He clarified the citizens were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman said. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the armed forces to halt violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – all three mayoral candidates denounced the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City community groups spoke out too.

"Federal officers targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This raid had no connection to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. However, investigative journalism has found that numerous citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE during the period of the present government.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies targeting federal operations are widespread as are accusations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission provided by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.