New York Introduces Portal for Citizens to Submit Immigration Videos Following Detentions of 4 US Citizens

New York state AG has launched a recent online portal asking residents to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This action comes just a shortly after a significant enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting widespread protests.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a news conference that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to submit that material with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Form Details

The form includes fields to upload photos and videos of the operation, as well as a area to note geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must tick a checkbox that states that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say featured dozens of federal agents, happened in a popular area of Manhattan where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Footage of the incident show multiple covered and weaponized federal agents securing and holding a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was also seen moving along the urban roads.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He noted the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the troops to halt unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City community groups voiced concern also.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and protective equipment to target street vendors trying to make a living. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has said it will not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has found that numerous American nationals have been taken illegally by ICE since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

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

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are widespread as are allegations of force and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations stated inadequate care of pregnant women in ICE facilities.