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The state attorney general has rolled out a new reporting form asking citizens to provide visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This action comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," state officials declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The form offers spaces to submit visual evidence of the incident, plus a section to note location information. When submitting, submitters must tick a checkbox that states that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a popular area of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Footage of the incident depict several hooded and equipped personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside witnesses. Masses of residents pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen moving along the urban roads.

Political Response

During a news conference featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be taken for unjustly." He noted the individuals were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for the government to bring in the armed forces to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

The city's immigrant rights groups expressed outrage also.

"ICE descended on the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has said it does not apprehend citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been becoming more common in the state and around the country lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations against ICE are ubiquitous including allegations of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.