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New York state AG has launched a fresh reporting form asking residents to share images and footage of ICE operations throughout the state. This step follows a day after a major enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are pledged to assessing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The form includes spaces to send images and video footage of the raid, plus a area to indicate geographic details. When submitting, users must check a box that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved more than 50 federal agents, took place in a well-known area of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available widely – typically to tourists.

Footage of the operation show numerous masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a individual, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of residents trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was observed traveling down the city streets.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He said the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This represents a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to deploy the military to prevent conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the political contenders criticized the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to target street vendors trying to make a living. This raid had no relation to community security and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the leader of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it will not apprehend citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the current administration.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in New York and around the country this year.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are widespread including claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.