NY Unveils Portal for Residents to Report ICE Images After Arrests of 4 American Citizens

New York state attorney general has launched a fresh online portal asking citizens to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This move follows a day after a high-profile enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

"For those who saw and captured federal operations yesterday, I urge you to provide that material with the authorities. We are pledged to examining these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form offers options to send visual evidence of the operation, along with a field to note geographic details. Prior to sending, users must tick a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say featured more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a popular district of the city where fake products and merchandise are commonly traded widely – typically to visitors.

Recordings of the incident depict several covered and weaponized officers restraining and arresting a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers followed the agents along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference featuring the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman remarked. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for this administration to bring in the armed forces to halt conflict that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation quickly spread – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate declared.

The city's advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to target small merchants trying to make a living. This action had no relation to public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and communities," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it refrains from take into custody US citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in New York and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies against immigration enforcement are widespread as are accusations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of expectant mothers in detention centers.