🔗 Share this article NY Introduces Portal for Residents to Submit Immigration Footage Following Detentions of Four American Citizens New York state attorney general has rolled out a fresh online portal asking residents to provide photos and videos of ICE operations across New York. This step follows a shortly after a significant immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread protests. American Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four citizens were taken into custody and kept for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in New York on consecutive evenings. "All New York residents is entitled to live without fear," state officials stated in a statement. "For those who saw and documented ICE activity recently, I ask you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are committed to examining these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings." Portal Features The portal provides options to submit photos and videos of the operation, as well as a area to indicate location information. Prior to sending, individuals must check a box that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or official statement." Details of the Chinatown Raid The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved over fifty ICE personnel, took place in a popular neighborhood of the city where imitation products and additional items are regularly available widely – typically to visitors. Videos of the operation reveal several hooded and equipped federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of residents followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the urban roads. Leadership Statements At a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He said the persons were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken. "There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to incite tension. It is simply a pretext to incite violence for this administration to utilize the military to stop violence that they have created." Widespread Condemnation Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every political contenders denounced the operation, along with NY's governor. "Repeatedly, the current administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It must stop," a contender stated. NYC advocacy organizations expressed outrage also. "ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and protective equipment to target small merchants working to survive. This action had no connection to public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition. Official Guidelines Official guidelines forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it does not arrest or detain US citizens. However, external research has discovered that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership. Current Situation Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide lately. A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Protests targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including claims of aggression and abusive practices. Recently, a letter provided by civil rights groups stated medical neglect of pregnant women in detention centers.