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The state AG has introduced a recent digital platform urging citizens to submit photos and videos of immigration raids across the state. This step comes just a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting mass protests.

American Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Rallies occurred in the city on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a release.

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to share that footage with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Form Details

The form offers options to submit visual evidence of the raid, plus a field to note geographic details. When submitting, individuals must check a option that acknowledges that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say involved dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a well-known district of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily en masse – often to tourists.

Footage of the operation reveal several covered and weaponized personnel securing and holding a person, and forcing aside onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers followed the officers along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be taken for without cause." He said the citizens were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This is a militarized effort to incite tension. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the armed forces to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, instead of protection. It has to end," a contender stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups voiced concern also.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has claimed it will not arrest or detain American nationals. However, independent reporting has found that numerous citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in NY and nationwide this year.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Protests opposing federal operations are commonplace as are allegations of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.