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The state AG has introduced a new reporting form urging locals to submit visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This move follows a shortly after a major enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents deserves to live without fear," state officials wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented federal operations recently, I urge you to provide that evidence with us. We are committed to assessing these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal provides options to submit visual evidence of the raid, as well as a section to specify geographic details. When submitting, submitters must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or government document."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included dozens of federal agents, took place in a popular neighborhood of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Footage of the operation reveal multiple masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of residents followed the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democrat, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the persons were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the military to prevent violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three political contenders denounced the operation, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," a contender stated.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on street vendors trying to make a living. This action had no relation to public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," remarked the leader of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the bureau has claimed it does not apprehend citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US this year.

An October operation in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies targeting federal operations are commonplace as are allegations of violence and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a letter filed by legal entities stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.