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The state AG has introduced a new reporting form encouraging locals to submit photos and videos of ICE operations across the state. This step follows a day after a major ICE raid disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass protests.

US Citizens Held In Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations yesterday, I ask you to share that evidence with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal includes options to upload visual evidence of the raid, as well as a area to specify location information. When submitting, users must mark a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a official report, including in a court case or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say featured more than 50 federal agents, happened in a well-known district of Manhattan where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily widely – frequently to visitors.

Footage of the incident depict multiple covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of locals pursued the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the city streets.

Leadership Statements

During a Wednesday press conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the citizens were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to generate turmoil for federal officials to deploy the troops to prevent unrest that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation escalated – all three political contenders criticized the incident, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the current administration selects oppressive displays that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and focused completely on intimidating residents and communities," said the president of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it will not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been becoming more common in NY and across the US recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests against federal operations are widespread along with allegations of force and cruel conditions.

Latest, a submission provided by civil rights groups claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.