🔗 Share this article

New York state AG has introduced a fresh reporting form encouraging citizens to provide images and footage of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This action comes just a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass protests.

American Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen deserves to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to provide that material with the authorities. We are pledged to examining these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form offers options to upload photos and videos of the operation, as well as a section to indicate location information. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a option that states that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included more than 50 federal agents, took place in a well-known district of Manhattan where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal several hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Masses of residents trailed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for unjustly." He said the individuals were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the armed forces to prevent violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – all three mayoral candidates criticized the incident, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," a political candidate wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," remarked the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines bans the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it refrains from apprehend US citizens. However, independent reporting has found that more than 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by ICE during the period of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide lately.

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies targeting ICE are commonplace including accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a document provided by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.