🔗 Share this article NY Launches Portal for Citizens to Report Immigration Footage Following Detentions of Four US Citizens The state attorney general has rolled out a new reporting form urging residents to share images and footage of ICE operations throughout New York. This action comes just a shortly after a significant enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests. American Citizens Held In Raid A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday. "Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a statement. "For those who saw and captured ICE activity recently, I encourage you to submit that evidence with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches." Portal Features The platform offers spaces to send visual evidence of the raid, as well as a field to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must mark a box that states that "the attorney general could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or official statement." Information about the Manhattan Operation The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved over fifty government officers, occurred in a well-known district of Manhattan where imitation purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available en masse – often to sightseers. Footage of Tuesday's raid depict several masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of locals followed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was observed moving along the urban roads. Political Response During a midweek briefing organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He said the persons were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made. "The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman remarked. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is merely a pretext to provoke conflict for this administration to deploy the armed forces to halt unrest that they themselves caused." Extensive Outcry Outrage over the federal action escalated – all three mayoral candidates criticized the operation, as did the state leader. "Yet again, the current administration selects oppressive displays that generate terror, instead of protection. It has to end," a contender wrote. NYC advocacy organizations spoke out also. "Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after small merchants working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," remarked the head of a rights organization. Agency Rules Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it does not apprehend citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous American nationals have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the current administration. Current Situation Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and across the US this year. A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting ICE are ubiquitous as are allegations of violence and abusive practices. Most recently, a document filed by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.