🔗 Share this article

The state AG has launched a new reporting form urging citizens to provide photos and videos of immigration raids across the state. This step comes just a day after a major enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Detained In Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents is entitled to live without fear," state officials stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations recently, I encourage you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form includes spaces to send photos and videos of the incident, plus a area to note geographic details. Prior to sending, users must tick a box that states that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a court case or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a well-known area of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily en masse – typically to tourists.

Footage of the incident depict multiple hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside bystanders. Crowds of locals trailed the personnel through the streets. An armored truck was also seen moving along the city streets.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He said the citizens were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to generate turmoil for this administration to deploy the military to stop unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that create fear, not safety. It has to end," a contender stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on local sellers working to survive. This operation had no connection to public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and communities," stated the president of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it does not apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

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

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace as are claims of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in government custody.