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The state attorney general has launched a fresh reporting form urging citizens to submit visual evidence of immigration raids throughout the state. This action follows a day after a significant ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a release.

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to provide that footage with us. We are pledged to assessing these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal includes options to upload images and video footage of the raid, plus a field to indicate where it occurred. Before submitting, submitters must check a box that states that "the office might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a court case or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say involved dozens of government officers, took place in a well-known district of NYC where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily en masse – often to sightseers.

Footage of the operation depict several masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of locals trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a midweek briefing featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He said the persons were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he remarked. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for this administration to deploy the armed forces to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the operation, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It has to end," a political candidate stated.

The city's advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on street vendors working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and neighborhoods," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has said it refrains from apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting federal operations are ubiquitous as are allegations of force and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups stated medical neglect of expectant mothers in government custody.