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New York state attorney general has introduced a new reporting form asking residents to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This move follows a shortly after a major immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass outcry.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations occurred in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form offers options to upload visual evidence of the operation, as well as a field to note location information. Prior to sending, users must tick a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a public document, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of the operation depict multiple covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Crowds of New Yorkers pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

During a news conference featuring the rights organization, the congressman, a Democrat, said that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be arrested for unjustly." He said the citizens were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the military to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the ICE raid quickly spread – every mayoral candidates criticized the raid, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern as well.

"Immigration agents raided the neighborhood with tactical trucks, covered personnel and riot gear to target local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it does not arrest or detain citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents during the period of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in NY and around the country lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations opposing ICE are widespread including accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission submitted by legal entities stated healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.