NY Unveils Online Platform for Citizens to Submit Immigration Videos After Arrests of 4 American Citizens

The state attorney general has launched a new online portal urging residents to share images and footage of immigration raids around the state. This action comes just a shortly after a major immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a news conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The platform includes fields to send photos and videos of the operation, as well as a section to note where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must mark a option that states that "authorities might employ any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say included over fifty ICE personnel, took place in a well-known neighborhood of the city where imitation purses, items, goods and merchandise are commonly traded en masse – often to tourists.

Recordings of the operation reveal several hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of locals trailed the officers along the roads. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for no reason." He said the citizens were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for this administration to deploy the troops to stop violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the federal action quickly spread – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," a political candidate wrote.

The city's immigrant rights groups expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers raided the neighborhood with tactical trucks, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after local sellers working to survive. This action had no connection to public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it will not take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and nationwide lately.

A recent action in the city center was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies against federal operations are commonplace as are claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission provided by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of pregnant women in government custody.