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New York state AG has launched a new reporting form asking citizens to submit photos and videos of ICE operations around New York. This step comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and kept for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to provide that material with us. We are committed to assessing these submissions and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal provides options to upload visual evidence of the incident, plus a section to note geographic details. When submitting, users must check a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say included over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a famous area of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available en masse – typically to tourists.

Videos of the operation depict several masked and armed federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of New Yorkers pursued the officers along the roads. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

In a news conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He said the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the armed forces to prevent conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three mayoral candidates denounced the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This raid had no relation to public safety and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it refrains from apprehend citizens. Nevertheless, external research has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in the state and across the US this year.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace as are allegations of force and abusive practices.

Recently, a submission provided by legal entities alleged medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.