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The state AG has rolled out a fresh reporting form asking locals to provide photos and videos of ICE operations around the state. This action follows a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen has the right to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to submit that footage with my office. We are pledged to examining these accounts and determining any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The form includes spaces to upload images and video footage of the raid, plus a field to note location information. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a option that states that "the office might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say included over fifty ICE personnel, took place in a famous district of Manhattan where counterfeit products and other goods are commonly traded widely – often to tourists.

Recordings of the operation show several covered and weaponized officers restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Crowds of residents trailed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was observed rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

During a news conference featuring the rights organization, the congressman, a Democrat, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the individuals were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to deploy the armed forces to stop conflict that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – all three political contenders condemned the incident, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," a political candidate stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"Federal officers targeted Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and riot gear to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had no relation to community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it refrains from apprehend citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in NY and nationwide this year.

An October operation in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations against federal operations are commonplace as are allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission provided by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of expectant mothers in government custody.