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New York state attorney general has introduced a fresh reporting form asking residents to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This action comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Held In Raid

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the AG stated in a release.

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to provide that evidence with my office. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal includes options to send images and video footage of the incident, plus a field to specify location information. Prior to sending, users must check a box that confirms that "the office might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a famous neighborhood of the city where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily en masse – typically to sightseers.

Footage of the incident show multiple covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers pursued the agents through the streets. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the citizens were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to bring in the military to halt unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the federal action rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, including the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a political candidate wrote.

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to target small merchants working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has claimed it does not apprehend citizens. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

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

A recent action in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies targeting ICE are widespread along with claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a submission provided by advocacy organizations stated inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.