🔗 Share this article New York Introduces Portal for Public to Submit Immigration Footage After Detentions of Four American Citizens The state AG has launched a recent reporting form asking citizens to submit photos and videos of immigration raids around the state. This action follows a shortly after a significant enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering large-scale outcry. American Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday. "Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," state officials wrote in a announcement. "Anyone who observed and captured federal operations recently, I urge you to share that footage with the authorities. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings." Submission Process The platform offers options to send images and video footage of the raid, along with a field to note location information. Before submitting, individuals must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or government document." Details of the ICE Action The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured more than 50 government officers, happened in a famous district of NYC where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available widely – typically to sightseers. Footage of the operation reveal numerous covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of locals pursued the officers along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the city streets. Leadership Statements During a midweek briefing organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were freed on the following day with no legal action taken. "The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman remarked. "This represents a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a justification to incite violence for the government to utilize the military to halt conflict that they initiated." Widespread Condemnation Anger over the federal action rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, along with NY's governor. "Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a contender declared. NYC immigrant rights groups voiced concern also. "Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to target street vendors trying to make a living. This action had no relation to community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," said the president of a rights organization. ICE Policies Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it will not take into custody citizens. However, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership. Current Situation Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide recently. An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies opposing immigration enforcement are ubiquitous as are allegations of aggression and abusive practices. Latest, a document provided by civil rights groups alleged healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.