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The state AG has launched a recent reporting form urging locals to share visual evidence of ICE operations around New York. This move comes just a shortly after a significant immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

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

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to submit that evidence with my office. We are committed to examining these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The form offers options to upload images and video footage of the raid, plus a area to specify where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured dozens of federal agents, happened in a famous neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Footage of the incident show numerous hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a person, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers trailed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for no reason." He clarified the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the troops to prevent conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – each of the political contenders criticized the raid, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and tactical gear to target street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and communities," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it will not take into custody US citizens. However, external research has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US recently.

An October operation in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests against immigration enforcement are commonplace along with allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter submitted by legal entities claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.