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The state attorney general has launched a new reporting form asking citizens to provide images and footage of immigration raids across the state. This move follows a day after a significant enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

US Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and kept for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Protests erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," state officials declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and captured immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to provide that material with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal provides options to send photos and videos of the raid, along with a field to note where it occurred. Before submitting, submitters must tick a checkbox that states that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved more than 50 government officers, occurred in a well-known area of the city where imitation products and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – often to sightseers.

Footage of the incident show numerous masked and armed federal agents securing and holding a person, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of locals followed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a news conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for without cause." He clarified the persons were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the troops to prevent conflict that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the federal action escalated – all three mayoral candidates denounced the incident, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, rather than security. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it refrains from take into custody American nationals. Nevertheless, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in the state and nationwide recently.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Protests against federal operations are widespread including allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission filed by legal entities alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in ICE facilities.