🔗 Share this article NY Launches Reporting Tool for Citizens to Report ICE Images After Arrests of Four US Citizens New York state AG has launched a recent online portal encouraging citizens to provide images and footage of ICE operations throughout New York. This action comes just a shortly after a significant enforcement action shook Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering mass protests. US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday. "Each citizen deserves to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a release. "Anyone who observed and documented federal operations recently, I encourage you to share that material with us. We are committed to assessing these accounts and determining any wrongdoings." Submission Process The portal provides options to submit visual evidence of the raid, plus a field to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must mark a option that confirms that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or government document." Information about the Chinatown Raid The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured more than 50 government officers, occurred in a well-known area of NYC where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded widely – often to tourists. Videos of Tuesday's raid depict several hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of locals pursued the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues. Political Response During a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for without cause." He said the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made. "There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman stated. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to utilize the military to prevent unrest that they have created." Extensive Outcry Outrage over the federal action quickly spread – all three political contenders criticized the operation, along with the state leader. "Repeatedly, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated. NYC community groups voiced concern too. "Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," remarked the head of a major immigrant coalition. ICE Policies ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it will not apprehend citizens. However, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the present government. Ongoing Trend Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US recently. A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies against ICE are widespread as are claims of violence and abusive practices. Recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.