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The state AG has launched a recent reporting form urging citizens to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This action follows a shortly after a major ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass outcry.

US Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and kept for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in the city on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents deserves to reside free from terror," state officials declared in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity recently, I ask you to submit that evidence with us. We are committed to examining these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform provides fields to upload photos and videos of the incident, plus a area to indicate location information. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a option that acknowledges that "the office may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or government document."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved more than 50 government officers, happened in a well-known district of NYC where counterfeit products and other goods are sold daily en masse – typically to sightseers.

Footage of the operation show numerous masked and armed officers securing and holding a individual, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of residents trailed the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the city streets.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for no reason." He said the persons were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman remarked. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the troops to halt conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – each of the mayoral candidates condemned the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City advocacy organizations expressed outrage as well.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it will not apprehend American nationals. However, external research has found that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

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

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace including claims of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a letter filed by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of women with child in detention centers.