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The state attorney general has rolled out a recent reporting form urging citizens to share visual evidence of ICE operations across the state. This move comes just a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and kept for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations erupted in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," the AG wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I ask you to submit that evidence with my office. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The form provides fields to submit visual evidence of the operation, as well as a section to note geographic details. When submitting, individuals must tick a option that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which observers say involved dozens of federal agents, occurred in a popular neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are commonly traded en masse – typically to sightseers.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show numerous hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a man, and shoving away onlookers. Crowds of locals trailed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He said the individuals were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the military to halt unrest that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – each of the political contenders condemned the raid, including NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender wrote.

New York City community groups spoke out also.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to go after small merchants working to survive. This operation had no connection to public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has said it does not arrest or detain US citizens. However, external research has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and across the US this year.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies opposing immigration enforcement are widespread as are accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission provided by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.