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The state attorney general has introduced a recent reporting form encouraging citizens to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This move comes just a day after a significant enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread outcry.

US Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and kept for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations during the raid, I urge you to provide that material with my office. We are committed to examining these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform includes spaces to upload images and video footage of the operation, plus a field to indicate location information. Before submitting, submitters must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which onlookers say included dozens of federal agents, took place in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where fake products and merchandise are commonly traded in large quantities – typically to sightseers.

Videos of the operation reveal numerous masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of residents followed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was observed rolling through the city streets.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for without cause." He clarified the individuals were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This is a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the troops to stop unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, including NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, instead of protection. It must stop," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's community groups spoke out as well.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after street vendors working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," remarked the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has said it will not arrest or detain American nationals. However, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and nationwide this year.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace as are accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter provided by legal entities stated medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.