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New York state AG has launched a fresh reporting form encouraging residents to provide images and footage of immigration raids around New York. This action comes just a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Held In Raid

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and kept for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen has the right to live without fear," state officials wrote in a announcement.

"For those who saw and documented federal operations yesterday, I ask you to share that footage with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form includes fields to submit photos and videos of the operation, along with a area to specify geographic details. When submitting, submitters must check a option that confirms that "the office could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say included dozens of government officers, occurred in a famous area of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded widely – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of the operation depict numerous masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for without cause." He said the citizens were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to generate turmoil for federal officials to deploy the troops to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the ICE raid quickly spread – every political contenders denounced the raid, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it does not apprehend citizens. However, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been becoming more common in New York and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous as are accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter submitted by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.