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New York state AG has rolled out a recent reporting form asking citizens to share visual evidence of ICE operations throughout New York. This move comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread protests.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A lawmaker revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies erupted in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I encourage you to provide that material with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The form includes spaces to upload visual evidence of the incident, along with a section to note location information. Prior to sending, submitters must check a box that states that "authorities could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which onlookers say included more than 50 government officers, happened in a famous area of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available widely – often to sightseers.

Videos of the operation show multiple masked and armed officers securing and holding a person, and forcing aside witnesses. Masses of residents trailed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the city streets.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He said the persons were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he stated. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the military to halt unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action quickly spread – all three political contenders criticized the operation, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after small merchants working to survive. This raid had no connection to public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it will not apprehend US citizens. However, external research has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

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

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the present government. Demonstrations targeting ICE are ubiquitous as are accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document provided by legal entities stated medical neglect of pregnant women in ICE facilities.