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The state AG has launched a new reporting form asking residents to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This move follows a shortly after a significant enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering widespread outcry.

American Citizens Detained During Raid

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a announcement.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I ask you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and determining any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The portal includes options to submit visual evidence of the raid, along with a field to indicate location information. Before submitting, submitters must check a checkbox that confirms that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which witnesses say involved over fifty federal agents, happened in a famous neighborhood of the city where imitation purses, items, goods and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to sightseers.

Videos of the incident reveal several hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the agents along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He said the citizens were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to utilize the troops to stop unrest that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action escalated – every political contenders criticized the operation, including NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate stated.

NYC community groups spoke out also.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to target local sellers working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it does not apprehend citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has found that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by ICE during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in the state and around the country lately.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the current administration. Rallies targeting ICE are ubiquitous including accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a submission provided by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.