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The state AG has launched a new reporting form urging residents to submit photos and videos of immigration raids across the state. This move follows a shortly after a significant ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

US Citizens Detained In Raid

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations occurred in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents deserves to live without fear," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded federal operations during the raid, I ask you to submit that evidence with us. We are dedicated to examining these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The platform offers options to send images and video footage of the incident, along with a area to specify location information. Before submitting, individuals must mark a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, including in a court case or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured more than 50 federal agents, happened in a famous area of the city where fake products and merchandise are regularly available widely – often to tourists.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict several masked and armed officers securing and holding a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of residents followed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four nationals were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He noted the citizens were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for this administration to bring in the troops to prevent conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a contender wrote.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"Federal officers raided the neighborhood with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This action had no connection to community security and focused completely on intimidating residents and communities," said the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has said it does not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and across the US lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies against ICE are ubiquitous including accusations of force and abusive practices.

Recently, a document submitted by civil rights groups alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.