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New York state AG has introduced a recent reporting form urging residents to submit photos and videos of ICE operations around the state. This move follows a shortly after a major immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Detained In Raid

A lawmaker announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG declared in a announcement.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity during the raid, I ask you to provide that material with my office. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and determining any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The platform includes spaces to submit images and video footage of the incident, along with a area to indicate where it occurred. Prior to sending, users must check a box that states that "the attorney general may use any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved over fifty government officers, occurred in a famous area of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are commonly traded widely – typically to tourists.

Videos of the operation show several masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Masses of residents trailed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He said the persons were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for this administration to deploy the armed forces to stop conflict that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action rapidly grew – all three mayoral candidates criticized the incident, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out as well.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on small merchants working to survive. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," said the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US recently.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against ICE are commonplace along with accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.