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New York state AG has introduced a recent online portal encouraging residents to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This action follows a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass outcry.

American Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Protests erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

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

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are committed to examining these accounts and determining any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The platform includes options to upload photos and videos of the operation, along with a section to note location information. Prior to sending, users must check a box that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included dozens of government officers, occurred in a famous district of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily en masse – often to sightseers.

Videos of the operation depict several hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of New Yorkers trailed the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He said the persons were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the armed forces to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – every mayoral candidates denounced the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the current administration selects oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had no relation to public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and neighborhoods," remarked the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines bans the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it will not take into custody American nationals. However, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in the state and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with allegations of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter provided by legal entities alleged medical neglect of pregnant women in detention centers.