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New York state AG has launched a new reporting form encouraging residents to share photos and videos of ICE operations across New York. This action follows a day after a major enforcement action disrupted NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread protests.

American Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and detained for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," the AG declared in a release.

"For those who saw and documented federal operations yesterday, I ask you to share that material with us. We are committed to assessing these reports and investigating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal provides options to send visual evidence of the raid, plus a area to note location information. When submitting, submitters must tick a box that acknowledges that "the office could utilize any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say featured dozens of federal agents, took place in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit products and merchandise are sold daily widely – typically to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident reveal numerous hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and shoving away bystanders. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democrat, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for no reason." He noted the persons were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This represents a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is purely a justification to incite violence for the government to bring in the troops to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation quickly spread – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate wrote.

The city's community groups voiced concern too.

"Federal officers raided the neighborhood with tactical trucks, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with community security and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," said the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it will not apprehend American nationals. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been becoming more common in New York and nationwide recently.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations opposing federal operations are widespread including allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a letter filed by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.