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New York state AG has rolled out a new reporting form encouraging locals to submit photos and videos of immigration raids throughout the state. This step comes just a day after a significant enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting large-scale protests.

American Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to share that footage with us. We are dedicated to examining these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal offers fields to send photos and videos of the raid, along with a field to indicate location information. When submitting, users must tick a box that confirms that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say featured over fifty government officers, happened in a famous district of NYC where counterfeit products and other goods are sold daily en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show multiple covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the agents along the roads. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He clarified the persons were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman stated. "This represents a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to generate turmoil for this administration to bring in the military to stop violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action quickly spread – all three mayoral candidates denounced the incident, including the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, instead of protection. It has to end," a contender declared.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage also.

"Immigration agents raided the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has said it will not apprehend citizens. However, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous citizens have been held against their will by ICE during the period of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

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

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies targeting ICE are commonplace including allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a document submitted by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.