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The state attorney general has launched a recent reporting form urging residents to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This step follows a day after a major enforcement action disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the AG stated in a release.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to share that evidence with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these reports and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form includes options to send images and video footage of the operation, plus a area to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a box that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which onlookers say included over fifty government officers, took place in a well-known area of the city where imitation products and other goods are sold daily widely – typically to visitors.

Footage of the incident depict several covered and weaponized officers restraining and arresting a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Masses of residents pursued the agents through the streets. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four US citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the persons were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a justification to incite violence for this administration to deploy the military to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the federal action quickly spread – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the current administration opts for oppressive displays that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out as well.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, covered personnel and riot gear to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," stated the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the bureau has claimed it refrains from arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, independent reporting has discovered that over 170 American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in NY and around the country this year.

An October operation in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the present government. Rallies opposing immigration enforcement are widespread as are claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups claimed inadequate care of women with child in government custody.