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The state attorney general has launched a new reporting form urging locals to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This action comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen deserves to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity recently, I encourage you to submit that evidence with my office. We are pledged to assessing these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal provides options to submit images and video footage of the raid, plus a section to note where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must check a option that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a popular area of the city where counterfeit products and additional items are commonly traded en masse – often to tourists.

Recordings of the incident reveal several covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a person, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of residents trailed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored truck was observed traveling down the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a midweek briefing organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He said the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the armed forces to halt conflict that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – each of the political contenders denounced the raid, along with the state leader.

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

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern as well.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This action had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules forbids the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it does not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US recently.

An October operation in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the current administration. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace as are accusations of force and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.