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The state attorney general has rolled out a new reporting form asking residents to share visual evidence of immigration raids around New York. This move comes just a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, prompting large-scale protests.

American Citizens Arrested In Raid

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to share that footage with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form provides fields to send photos and videos of the operation, as well as a section to specify where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must check a box that confirms that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included dozens of federal agents, happened in a popular neighborhood of the city where imitation purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available en masse – typically to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict multiple masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of locals trailed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for without cause." He said the persons were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is merely a excuse to generate turmoil for this administration to bring in the military to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – every mayoral candidates denounced the incident, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for oppressive displays that generate terror, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender stated.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to target street vendors trying to make a living. This action had no connection to community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has said it does not arrest or detain American nationals. However, external research has revealed that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in the state and nationwide this year.

A recent action in the city center was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests against federal operations are ubiquitous including claims of aggression and abusive practices.

Recently, a letter filed by legal entities stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.