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The state attorney general has rolled out a new reporting form urging locals to submit visual evidence of ICE operations around the state. This move comes just a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity during the raid, I encourage you to provide that evidence with us. We are pledged to assessing these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The form offers spaces to send images and video footage of the raid, plus a field to indicate location information. Prior to sending, submitters must check a box that acknowledges that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a court case or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which observers say featured over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a popular area of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – often to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident depict numerous covered and weaponized personnel restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of residents pursued the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He said the citizens were released on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the military to prevent conflict that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the ICE raid quickly spread – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the incident, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern as well.

"Immigration agents descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after small merchants working to survive. This action had no connection to public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has said it refrains from take into custody US citizens. However, external research has revealed that more than 170 US citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are widespread along with accusations of violence and cruel conditions.

Recently, a letter submitted by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.