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The state attorney general has rolled out a fresh reporting form encouraging citizens to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This step comes just a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action shook Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A congressional representative revealed during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to live without fear," the AG declared in a release.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I encourage you to share that evidence with my office. We are pledged to assessing these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal provides spaces to send images and video footage of the raid, plus a field to note where it occurred. Prior to sending, users must check a checkbox that states that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included dozens of federal agents, took place in a popular district of NYC where fake products and other goods are commonly traded en masse – typically to tourists.

Videos of the operation reveal numerous hooded and equipped personnel zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers followed the officers through the streets. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

At a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is purely a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the troops to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate declared.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"ICE raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it does not apprehend American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been becoming more common in New York and around the country recently.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests targeting ICE are ubiquitous along with allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a document filed by civil rights groups stated medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.