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The state AG has launched a new reporting form asking citizens to submit images and footage of immigration raids throughout New York. This action follows a day after a significant immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass protests.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were detained and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to reside free from terror," the AG stated in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to submit that evidence with my office. We are committed to reviewing these reports and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The form offers fields to upload images and video footage of the incident, along with a section to specify where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must mark a option that acknowledges that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a official report, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured more than 50 government officers, occurred in a popular neighborhood of NYC where imitation purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – often to tourists.

Videos of the operation show multiple covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Crowds of locals followed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for unjustly." He noted the persons were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the military to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government opts for authoritarian theatrics that create fear, rather than security. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE raided the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to target street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it refrains from apprehend American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in the state and across the US this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies against immigration enforcement are widespread as are claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter submitted by civil rights groups stated inadequate care of pregnant women in detention centers.