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The state AG has launched a new reporting form asking citizens to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This action comes just a day after a significant ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four citizens were detained and detained for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded ICE activity during the raid, I encourage you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these accounts and determining any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The portal provides fields to submit images and video footage of the operation, along with a field to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, users must mark a box that states that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included more than 50 government officers, happened in a famous district of Manhattan where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily en masse – frequently to tourists.

Videos of the operation depict multiple hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of locals pursued the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

At a news conference organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He said the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he remarked. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to bring in the armed forces to stop conflict that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the current administration selects oppressive displays that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had no relation to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the agency has said it will not take into custody citizens. However, independent reporting has found that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents during the period of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the current administration. Protests targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous as are allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter provided by civil rights groups claimed inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.