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The state attorney general has launched a new reporting form urging citizens to share visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This move comes just a shortly after a significant enforcement action disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering mass outcry.

American Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

"For those who saw and captured federal operations recently, I ask you to submit that footage with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The platform includes options to upload visual evidence of the operation, as well as a section to indicate location information. Before submitting, submitters must mark a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a public document, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known district of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are regularly available widely – often to sightseers.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show multiple covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of residents trailed the officers along the roads. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four nationals were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he remarked. "This represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a justification to incite violence for this administration to bring in the military to stop violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," a political candidate stated.

The city's community groups voiced concern as well.

"ICE descended on the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has said it does not arrest or detain US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has revealed that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been becoming more common in New York and nationwide lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests targeting federal operations are commonplace including claims of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission filed by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.