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The state AG has rolled out a recent reporting form asking locals to provide visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This move follows a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and recorded federal operations during the raid, I urge you to submit that material with us. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The form provides options to send visual evidence of the raid, plus a section to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, users must check a box that states that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which onlookers say involved dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a well-known district of Manhattan where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily widely – typically to sightseers.

Videos of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple hooded and equipped federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Crowds of residents followed the officers along the roads. An military-style transport was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a midweek briefing organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He said the citizens were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This is a military-style operation to create conflict. It is simply a justification to incite violence for the government to utilize the troops to stop unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the federal government selects oppressive displays that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after small merchants working to survive. This action had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it refrains from take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in NY and nationwide recently.

A recent action in the city center was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace including claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter submitted by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in government custody.