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New York state AG has introduced a recent reporting form asking citizens to submit visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This step comes just a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action shook Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting widespread protests.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were detained and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations recently, I ask you to share that evidence with us. We are pledged to examining these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form offers spaces to submit photos and videos of the raid, along with a area to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, users must mark a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included dozens of federal agents, happened in a well-known district of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available en masse – often to visitors.

Videos of the incident show numerous covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of residents trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a news conference held with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for without cause." He noted the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is purely a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to utilize the troops to halt conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC community groups voiced concern also.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to community security and focused completely on intimidating residents and communities," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the bureau has said it will not apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide recently.

An October operation in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the present government. Protests opposing federal operations are ubiquitous including accusations of violence and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter filed by legal entities claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.