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The state AG has introduced a new reporting form asking locals to provide visual evidence of ICE operations around the state. This move follows a shortly after a major ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread protests.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen deserves to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a release.

"If you witnessed and recorded federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to share that footage with us. We are pledged to reviewing these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form includes options to send visual evidence of the raid, plus a field to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, submitters must mark a box that confirms that "authorities might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a popular area of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – often to tourists.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict several covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a man, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of residents pursued the personnel through the streets. An armored truck was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He said the citizens were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to utilize the military to halt violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the raid, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration selects authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender declared.

The city's immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with tactical trucks, covered personnel and protective equipment to focus on local sellers working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it does not apprehend citizens. However, independent reporting has discovered that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against federal operations are widespread along with claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.