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The state AG has rolled out a recent reporting form asking locals to provide visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This step comes just a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid shook NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Held During ICE Operation

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

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

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to share that evidence with my office. We are dedicated to examining these accounts and evaluating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal provides spaces to submit visual evidence of the incident, as well as a field to specify where it occurred. When submitting, users must mark a option that states that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved dozens of government officers, took place in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where fake products and additional items are regularly available in large quantities – often to sightseers.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict multiple masked and armed personnel restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers followed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the urban roads.

Official Reactions

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be taken for without cause." He noted the persons were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the military to prevent violence that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the raid, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government opts for authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

The city's immigrant rights groups voiced concern also.

"Immigration agents raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," remarked the president of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it will not take into custody citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has found that more than 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in NY and nationwide this year.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting ICE are commonplace as are claims of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a letter submitted by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.