🔗 Share this article NY Launches Portal for Citizens to Share Immigration Videos Following Arrests of Four US Citizens New York state AG has introduced a fresh online portal asking locals to share images and footage of ICE operations around the state. This move comes just a day after a significant immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting large-scale outcry. American Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Protests occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. "Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a statement. "Anyone who observed and captured ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to share that footage with us. We are committed to examining these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings." Submission Process The form offers spaces to send visual evidence of the raid, plus a field to indicate where it occurred. Before submitting, users must check a option that states that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a court case or official statement." Details of the Chinatown Raid The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured more than 50 government officers, took place in a well-known neighborhood of the city where counterfeit products and additional items are sold daily en masse – frequently to sightseers. Recordings of the incident depict numerous covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away bystanders. Masses of locals followed the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the city streets. Political Response At a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, said 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 without cause." He said the persons were let go on the following day with no accusations made. "There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he remarked. "This represents a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the armed forces to stop conflict that they themselves caused." Broad Criticism Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – all three political contenders criticized the incident, along with Governor Kathy Hochul. "Once again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," a political candidate declared. New York City community groups spoke out as well. "Federal officers raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the president of a advocacy group. Agency Rules Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has said it does not arrest or detain US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has found that over 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the beginning of the current administration. Recent Pattern Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in New York and nationwide this year. A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Rallies against federal operations are widespread as are accusations of aggression and abusive practices. Recently, a document provided by legal entities claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.