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New York state AG has introduced a fresh reporting form asking residents to submit photos and videos of ICE operations across New York. This move comes just a day after a significant enforcement action shook Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting mass outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

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

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations recently, I urge you to submit that material with my office. We are committed to examining these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form offers options to send images and video footage of the incident, as well as a field to specify geographic details. Before submitting, individuals must check a box that acknowledges that "the attorney general may use any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included over fifty ICE personnel, took place in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where fake products and other goods are regularly available en masse – often to tourists.

Videos of the operation depict several covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored truck was observed rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

In a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the persons were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This represents a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the troops to prevent conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the federal action escalated – every political contenders condemned the raid, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

The city's advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to target street vendors working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," said the leader of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has stated it refrains from take into custody citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has found that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by federal agents since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country this year.

A recent action in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace as are allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document submitted by legal entities alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.