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The state attorney general has introduced a new reporting form asking residents to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This move comes just a day after a high-profile enforcement action rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and held for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations recently, I ask you to share that footage with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The platform offers fields to send images and video footage of the raid, plus a section to note where it occurred. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a box that confirms that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say included over fifty ICE personnel, took place in a popular area of NYC where imitation products and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of the operation show multiple covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He noted the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the military to prevent unrest that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the federal action escalated – all three mayoral candidates denounced the incident, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's community groups voiced concern as well.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to go after local sellers working to survive. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it refrains from apprehend US citizens. However, independent reporting has found that more than 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations against ICE are commonplace along with allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

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