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The state AG has rolled out a fresh reporting form asking citizens to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This step follows a shortly after a major enforcement action rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were detained and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The platform includes options to submit images and video footage of the raid, along with a area to specify location information. Before submitting, individuals must check a box that states that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say featured more than 50 federal agents, took place in a famous neighborhood of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily en masse – often to sightseers.

Recordings of the operation show multiple covered and weaponized federal agents securing and holding a person, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of New Yorkers pursued the agents along the roads. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for without cause." He said the persons were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman remarked. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the troops to prevent unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the ICE raid quickly spread – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City community groups spoke out too.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it will not take into custody US citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and across the US recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting federal operations are commonplace along with claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a document filed by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.