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New York state AG has introduced a new reporting form encouraging citizens to submit visual evidence of immigration raids around New York. This step follows a day after a high-profile immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass protests.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," the AG declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations recently, I encourage you to submit that evidence with us. We are pledged to reviewing these accounts and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The platform offers spaces to send photos and videos of the raid, as well as a section to indicate where it occurred. Before submitting, individuals must tick a box that confirms that "the attorney general could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a popular neighborhood of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded en masse – frequently to tourists.

Videos of the incident depict multiple covered and weaponized personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a news conference organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He said the individuals were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the military to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the federal action rapidly grew – all three political contenders denounced the incident, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and riot gear to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This operation had no connection to community security and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," stated the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. Yet, independent reporting has found that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are widespread as are accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission filed by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.