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The state AG has launched a recent online portal urging residents to submit visual evidence of immigration raids around the state. This move comes just a day after a significant enforcement action disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread protests.

US Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

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

"Anyone who observed and recorded federal operations during the raid, I urge you to share that footage with the authorities. We are committed to examining these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form includes spaces to upload visual evidence of the operation, along with a field to note geographic details. Before submitting, users must tick a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say involved over fifty government officers, happened in a popular area of Manhattan where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Videos of the operation reveal numerous masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of residents pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was observed moving along the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He noted the citizens were released on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the military to stop conflict that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the federal action rapidly grew – all three political contenders criticized the operation, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and neighborhoods," remarked the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it refrains from take into custody US citizens. However, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by ICE during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country this year.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Rallies targeting ICE are commonplace as are allegations of force and abusive practices.

Recently, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of women with child in government custody.