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The state attorney general has launched a fresh reporting form urging citizens to provide photos and videos of ICE operations across the state. This move follows a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread outcry.

US Citizens Held In Raid

A lawmaker announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," the attorney general stated in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and documented federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to submit that material with my office. We are committed to examining these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The form provides options to submit photos and videos of the incident, along with a area to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must tick a box that confirms that "the office could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included dozens of government officers, occurred in a famous district of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available widely – often to tourists.

Videos of the incident reveal numerous hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the agents along the roads. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman said. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for this administration to deploy the troops to halt conflict that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the immigration operation quickly spread – every mayoral candidates criticized the operation, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC community groups spoke out also.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it does not take into custody American nationals. However, independent reporting has revealed that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide lately.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are commonplace as are claims of force and abusive practices.

Most recently, a letter provided by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.