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The state AG has launched a new reporting form urging locals to share photos and videos of ICE operations throughout the state. This action comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained During Raid

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen deserves to reside free from terror," the AG stated in a release.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to provide that material with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform includes options to submit visual evidence of the operation, as well as a field to indicate geographic details. When submitting, users must tick a box that confirms that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say featured over fifty government officers, occurred in a famous neighborhood of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are regularly available widely – often to tourists.

Footage of the operation reveal multiple masked and armed federal agents securing and holding a man, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of residents followed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be taken for no reason." He said the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is purely a excuse to generate turmoil for this administration to utilize the troops to halt violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – all three mayoral candidates criticized the operation, including the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and riot gear to focus on street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, external research has revealed that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide recently.

A recent action in the city center was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests targeting ICE are commonplace along with allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter provided by legal entities alleged medical neglect of pregnant women in ICE facilities.