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The state AG has launched a new reporting form urging locals to share photos and videos of immigration raids throughout the state. This action comes just a shortly after a major enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass outcry.

American Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker revealed during a news conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen has the right to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a release.

"Anyone who observed and documented federal operations yesterday, I ask you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are committed to examining these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Submission Process

The form provides spaces to send photos and videos of the raid, plus a area to note where it occurred. When submitting, users must check a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known district of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily en masse – typically to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict several hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of locals followed the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen traveling down the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the individuals were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the troops to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – every political contenders condemned the raid, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to target local sellers trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with community security and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has claimed it will not apprehend citizens. However, independent reporting has found that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide this year.

An October operation in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Demonstrations targeting ICE are widespread along with allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission submitted by legal entities alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.