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New York state AG has launched a new reporting form asking citizens to share visual evidence of ICE operations throughout New York. This action follows a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation shook NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass protests.

American Citizens Detained During Raid

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents has the right to live without fear," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement during the raid, I encourage you to submit that footage with us. We are pledged to examining these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The form provides options to upload visual evidence of the operation, plus a field to indicate geographic details. When submitting, submitters must check a option that acknowledges that "authorities may use any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included dozens of ICE personnel, occurred in a popular neighborhood of NYC where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – often to sightseers.

Recordings of the operation show multiple masked and armed federal agents restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of residents pursued the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was noticed rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This is a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a justification to incite violence for this administration to deploy the troops to halt unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the immigration operation quickly spread – every political contenders condemned the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," a political candidate stated.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to go after small merchants attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the bureau has said it does not take into custody citizens. However, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US recently.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests opposing federal operations are ubiquitous along with claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission filed by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of pregnant women in ICE facilities.