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New York state AG has introduced a new reporting form encouraging residents to provide photos and videos of immigration raids around the state. This move follows a shortly after a major enforcement action disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering mass protests.

American Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and detained for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general stated in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to share that evidence with us. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and evaluating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form includes fields to upload photos and videos of the incident, along with a section to note where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must check a box that acknowledges that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say included more than 50 federal agents, happened in a well-known district of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded en masse – frequently to visitors.

Footage of the incident show numerous hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a man, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was observed rolling through the urban roads.

Political Response

At a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be taken for no reason." He said the individuals were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a justification to incite violence for the government to deploy the armed forces to stop conflict that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the raid, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage also.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on small merchants working to survive. This action had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," remarked the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it will not apprehend citizens. Yet, external research has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country recently.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace as are accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document filed by legal entities claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.