🔗 Share this article NY Introduces Reporting Tool for Public to Report ICE Images After Detentions of Four American Citizens New York state AG has rolled out a fresh online portal asking residents to provide photos and videos of immigration raids throughout the state. This step comes just a shortly after a major enforcement action disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass demonstrations. US Citizens Held During Raid A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. "All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a statement. "For those who saw and documented ICE activity during the raid, I encourage you to provide that evidence with my office. We are committed to assessing these reports and evaluating any violations of law." Submission Process The platform offers options to submit visual evidence of the incident, plus a area to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or official statement." Details of the ICE Action The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included dozens of federal agents, took place in a famous district of NYC where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded widely – frequently to visitors. Videos of Tuesday's raid depict numerous hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a individual, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of residents pursued the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was observed moving along the city streets. Political Response During a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He said the persons were released on the following day with no accusations made. "The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for the government to deploy the military to prevent conflict that they themselves caused." Widespread Condemnation Anger over the federal action quickly spread – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the incident, along with NY's governor. "Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender stated. The city's immigrant rights groups spoke out as well. "ICE raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the head of a rights organization. Agency Rules Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has stated it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the present government. Recent Pattern Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide this year. An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies targeting federal operations are widespread including allegations of force and cruel conditions. Most recently, a document submitted by legal entities claimed inadequate care of pregnant women in detention centers.