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New York state attorney general has introduced a fresh reporting form urging locals to share visual evidence of immigration raids throughout the state. This action follows a day after a major enforcement action shook Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker deserves to reside free from terror," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to provide that footage with us. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The platform provides options to send photos and videos of the raid, as well as a area to indicate location information. When submitting, individuals must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a famous neighborhood of Manhattan where imitation purses, items, goods and merchandise are commonly traded en masse – often to sightseers.

Videos of the incident show several hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was observed rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

In a news conference featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He clarified the citizens were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for this administration to bring in the troops to prevent conflict that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the ICE raid quickly spread – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the incident, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the current administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

New York City immigrant rights groups voiced concern too.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it does not arrest or detain US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests targeting immigration enforcement are widespread along with claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a submission provided by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of women with child in government custody.