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New York state attorney general has introduced a recent reporting form urging locals to share images and footage of ICE operations across New York. This action follows a shortly after a major ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

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

"For those who saw and documented federal operations recently, I urge you to share that material with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and evaluating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal offers options to submit images and video footage of the incident, as well as a section to note geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must mark a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured dozens of federal agents, took place in a well-known district of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – typically to tourists.

Recordings of the operation reveal multiple masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside bystanders. Crowds of locals followed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was also seen moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the persons were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to deploy the troops to halt violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – all three political contenders criticized the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

NYC advocacy organizations expressed outrage also.

"ICE raided Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This operation had no connection to community security and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it does not arrest or detain American nationals. However, external research has discovered that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in New York and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter provided by civil rights groups alleged medical neglect of pregnant women in government custody.