🔗 Share this article

New York state AG has rolled out a fresh reporting form urging citizens to provide photos and videos of ICE operations around the state. This move follows a day after a major immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a announcement.

"For those who saw and recorded ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to provide that material with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form includes options to submit visual evidence of the incident, as well as a section to specify location information. Before submitting, submitters must tick a option that confirms that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included over fifty government officers, happened in a well-known area of Manhattan where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded en masse – frequently to tourists.

Videos of the incident reveal multiple covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of residents pursued the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

In a midweek briefing organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be arrested for without cause." He said the individuals were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for federal officials to deploy the military to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action quickly spread – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, including NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

The city's community groups spoke out too.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and tactical gear to target street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," stated the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it does not arrest or detain citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in New York and across the US recently.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations opposing immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter provided by civil rights groups alleged inadequate care of women with child in ICE facilities.