New York Attorney General Letitia James has introduced a new “Federal Action Reporting Portal” encouraging residents to share videos and photos of federal immigration enforcement across the state. The move comes just a day after a controversial ICE raid in Manhattan’s Chinatown that led to the arrest of four U.S. citizens and sparked citywide protests. The raid, which involved more than 50 armed agents, has ignited outrage among immigrant rights groups and political leaders who accuse the Trump administration of intimidation tactics.
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Portal to Document Federal Raids
Attorney General Letitia James announced the creation of the reporting portal on Wednesday, urging residents to upload any videos or images documenting federal immigration actions. “Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear or intimidation,” she said in a statement. James added that her office is committed to reviewing all submissions and investigating potential violations of law. The form also allows users to provide location details and grants permission for submitted materials to be used publicly, including in legal proceedings or official reports.
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Chinatown Raid Sparks Protests
The Chinatown raid on Tuesday was one of the largest in recent years, with eyewitnesses reporting over 50 federal agents storming a well-known area known for selling counterfeit handbags, jewelry, and accessories. Videos showed masked officers zip-tying suspects and shoving bystanders as an armored vehicle rolled through the streets. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the agents, chanting in protest. ICE later issued a statement claiming those detained had criminal histories, though officials have yet to provide details.
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Four U.S. Citizens Detained
During a Wednesday press conference with the New York Immigrant Rights Coalition, Congressman Dan Goldman revealed that four American citizens were among those detained. “There are no circumstances where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason,” Goldman said, adding that all were released after nearly 24 hours with no charges filed. He accused the administration of using militarized tactics “to incite tension” and “create the violence they claim to stop.”
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Political Leaders Condemn ICE Action
Outrage over the raid spread rapidly through New York’s political circles. Governor Kathy Hochul and all three mayoral candidates denounced the operation, describing it as fear-driven and authoritarian. “Once again, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It must stop,” wrote mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on X. The condemnation reflects growing concern over the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement strategy in major U.S. cities.
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Immigrant Groups Speak Out
Advocacy organizations were quick to condemn the raid, calling it an attack on immigrant communities. Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigrant Coalition, stated, “ICE descended on Manhattan’s Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents, and riot gear to target street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities.” Activists have urged the state to investigate the legality of the operation and protect residents from further intimidation.
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History of ICE Misconduct
While ICE policy explicitly prohibits the detention of U.S. citizens, reports suggest otherwise. According to an investigation by ProPublica, more than 170 American citizens have been unlawfully detained by ICE since the start of Trump’s second administration. Critics say these incidents expose deep systemic failures and a culture of impunity within the agency. ICE has not commented publicly on the latest allegations related to the Chinatown raid.
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Nationwide Pattern of Raids
The incident in Chinatown follows a wave of aggressive ICE actions nationwide. On 16 October, agents carried out the first known raid on an immigrant shelter under the current administration, sparking additional protests in New York. Civil rights organizations, including the ACLU, have recently accused ICE of “inhumane treatment” and medical neglect, particularly of pregnant women in detention centers. With public anger mounting, the debate over ICE’s role and tactics continues to intensify.