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The state AG has introduced a new reporting form encouraging locals to submit visual evidence of immigration raids throughout New York. This move comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread outcry.

American Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to submit that footage with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal includes options to send photos and videos of the incident, plus a field to specify location information. When submitting, submitters must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office could utilize any evidence provided in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included over fifty federal agents, happened in a famous neighborhood of Manhattan where imitation products and additional items are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident depict several masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a individual, and shoving away bystanders. Throngs of locals pursued the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored truck was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a news conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for without cause." He clarified the citizens were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a pretext to incite violence for the government to bring in the military to halt unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, along with the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to focus on street vendors trying to make a living. This action had no connection to citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it does not apprehend US citizens. However, independent reporting has found that numerous American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US this year.

A recent action in the city center was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting ICE are ubiquitous along with allegations of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a letter submitted by advocacy organizations alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.