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The state AG has launched a new reporting form encouraging residents to provide images and footage of ICE operations across the state. This action follows a shortly after a major immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Held During Raid

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Rallies erupted in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to live without fear," state officials stated in a announcement.

"For those who saw and captured immigration enforcement recently, I encourage you to share that footage with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform provides fields to submit images and video footage of the raid, plus a area to indicate location information. Prior to sending, users must mark a option that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a court case or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say featured dozens of government officers, occurred in a popular district of the city where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded widely – often to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident reveal multiple hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside onlookers. Throngs of locals trailed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

In a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He said the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he remarked. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to generate turmoil for this administration to deploy the armed forces to stop unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – every political contenders denounced the raid, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It has to end," a contender declared.

The city's immigrant rights groups spoke out as well.

"Federal officers targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had no relation to public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it will not take into custody citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has found that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in NY and around the country this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a document filed by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.