🔗 Share this article New York Launches Portal for Public to Submit ICE Footage Following Arrests of Four US Citizens The state AG has introduced a fresh digital platform urging residents to provide photos and videos of ICE operations around the state. This move follows a shortly after a major immigration operation shook NYC's Chinatown, prompting large-scale protests. American Citizens Held In ICE Operation A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and detained for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. "All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials declared in a release. "If you witnessed and captured ICE activity during the raid, I encourage you to submit that footage with my office. We are committed to examining these accounts and investigating any violations of law." Submission Process The portal provides options to upload photos and videos of the incident, along with a section to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must check a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or official statement." Information about the Manhattan Operation The enforcement action, which observers say included over fifty federal agents, happened in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit products and additional items are sold daily en masse – often to visitors. Videos of Tuesday's raid reveal several covered and weaponized federal agents securing and holding a man, and pushing back bystanders. Throngs of residents followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the city streets. Political Response In a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He said the citizens were released on the following day with no charges filed. "There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a justification to incite violence for this administration to deploy the troops to halt violence that they have created." Extensive Outcry Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – every political contenders denounced the operation, including Governor Kathy Hochul. "Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate wrote. The city's community groups voiced concern as well. "Federal officers raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to target local sellers working to survive. This action had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition. Agency Rules Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it will not take into custody citizens. Yet, external research has revealed that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by federal agents during the period of the current administration. Ongoing Trend Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in New York and around the country recently. An October operation in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against ICE are widespread as are claims of force and abusive practices. Recently, a document submitted by civil rights groups alleged medical neglect of pregnant women in ICE facilities.