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New York state AG has launched a recent digital platform asking locals to share images and footage of ICE operations across New York. This move follows a day after a significant enforcement action disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a release.

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are committed to examining these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form offers options to submit images and video footage of the raid, plus a area to note location information. Before submitting, individuals must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office may use any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say featured dozens of ICE personnel, took place in a popular area of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are regularly available widely – frequently to tourists.

Videos of the operation show numerous masked and armed personnel securing and holding a person, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of locals followed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the citizens were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the troops to prevent violence that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – all three mayoral candidates denounced the raid, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," a contender declared.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents raided Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after street vendors working to survive. This operation had no relation to community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," said the leader of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it refrains from arrest or detain US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

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 refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies against federal operations are ubiquitous along with allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a submission provided by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.