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The state AG has rolled out a recent reporting form asking locals to share visual evidence of ICE operations around New York. This move comes just a day after a high-profile enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and detained for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to live without fear," the AG stated in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to share that footage with us. We are committed to examining these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform offers fields to send photos and videos of the operation, along with a area to specify location information. When submitting, submitters must mark a checkbox that confirms that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say featured more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a famous area of NYC where fake products and additional items are commonly traded widely – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of the operation reveal multiple covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a individual, and shoving away bystanders. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

At a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for without cause." He noted the individuals were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is merely a pretext to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the troops to prevent violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – each of the political contenders criticized the operation, including NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups voiced concern also.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to community security and focused completely on intimidating residents and communities," remarked the president of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it refrains from apprehend US citizens. However, independent reporting has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests opposing ICE are commonplace as are claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a document provided by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.