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New York state AG has launched a recent reporting form asking residents to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This action follows a day after a major immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass outcry.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were detained and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity recently, I urge you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal offers spaces to upload photos and videos of the operation, along with a area to specify location information. When submitting, individuals must mark a option that confirms that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say included more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a famous district of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily en masse – frequently to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show numerous hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He said the citizens were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a justification to incite violence for the government to bring in the military to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – all three political contenders condemned the incident, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the current administration selects oppressive displays that instill panic, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

The city's community groups expressed outrage as well.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it does not take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in the state and nationwide this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are widespread as are allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document submitted by civil rights groups stated medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.