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The state AG has rolled out a new reporting form encouraging locals to submit visual evidence of ICE operations throughout New York. This action comes just a day after a significant immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread protests.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A lawmaker revealed during a news conference that four citizens were detained and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to share that material with us. We are pledged to assessing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Form Details

The form provides spaces to send photos and videos of the raid, as well as a section to specify location information. Before submitting, users must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say featured dozens of ICE personnel, took place in a famous area of Manhattan where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available widely – typically to sightseers.

Recordings of the operation depict numerous hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Political Response

At a news conference organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be taken for no reason." He said the persons were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is purely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the troops to halt violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It has to end," a contender wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, covered personnel and riot gear to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and neighborhoods," said the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has said it does not take into custody American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and around the country lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the current administration. Protests opposing federal operations are ubiquitous along with accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

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