NY Introduces Reporting Tool for Citizens to Share ICE Videos After Arrests of Four American Citizens

The state AG has rolled out a new digital platform asking citizens to provide photos and videos of ICE operations throughout New York. This move follows a shortly after a major enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to reside free from terror," state officials declared in a release.

"For those who saw and documented ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to submit that material with my office. We are committed to examining these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform offers spaces to upload images and video footage of the incident, along with a section to note where it occurred. Before submitting, submitters must mark a option that states that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say involved dozens of ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known district of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded en masse – typically to tourists.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show multiple hooded and equipped personnel securing and holding a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of locals trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a news conference organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is simply a justification to incite violence for the government to utilize the armed forces to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, along with the state leader.

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

The city's community groups spoke out too.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, masked agents and tactical gear to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had no connection to citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines forbids the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has stated it refrains from arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations opposing ICE are commonplace along with accusations of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.