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The state attorney general has introduced a new reporting form asking citizens to provide photos and videos of ICE operations throughout New York. This move follows a shortly after a significant immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations occurred in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," state officials declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and captured ICE activity recently, I urge you to submit that material with us. We are pledged to examining these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The platform provides spaces to send images and video footage of the operation, as well as a field to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, users must tick a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say involved over fifty government officers, took place in a famous neighborhood of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Videos of the incident show multiple covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside bystanders. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was observed rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

At a news conference featuring 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 conditions where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He noted the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the military to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage too.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had no relation to public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and communities," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it does not apprehend American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has found that over 170 citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and nationwide recently.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting ICE are ubiquitous including claims of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a document filed by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.