🔗 Share this article NY Unveils Online Platform for Public to Share Immigration Videos Following Arrests of 4 US Citizens The state attorney general has introduced a new online portal encouraging locals to share visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This action comes just a day after a major enforcement action disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting large-scale protests. US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Protests erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. "Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a announcement. "Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity recently, I encourage you to submit that evidence with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these submissions and determining any violations of law." Portal Features The platform offers options to upload visual evidence of the operation, as well as a section to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a checkbox that confirms that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or government document." Details of the Manhattan Operation The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved over fifty government officers, occurred in a well-known district of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to tourists. Videos of the incident reveal numerous covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of New Yorkers pursued the officers along the roads. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the urban roads. Political Response At a Wednesday press conference held with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He noted the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made. "The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman remarked. "This represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to utilize the armed forces to stop violence that they themselves caused." Widespread Condemnation Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, along with Governor Kathy Hochul. "Once again, the current administration selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a contender stated. The city's immigrant rights groups spoke out too. "ICE raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, covered personnel and protective equipment to focus on street vendors trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the president of a advocacy group. ICE Policies Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has claimed it does not apprehend US citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership. Recent Pattern Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide lately. An October operation in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting federal operations are widespread as are accusations of violence and cruel conditions. Latest, a letter filed by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.