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The state AG has introduced a fresh reporting form encouraging residents to submit visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This step follows a shortly after a major enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Protests occurred in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents has the right to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to provide that material with the authorities. We are committed to examining these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal includes fields to submit visual evidence of the operation, along with a field to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must check a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a court case or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which observers say included over fifty government officers, happened in a famous neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded widely – often to sightseers.

Footage of the operation show several hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a person, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of residents pursued the officers through the streets. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

At a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the persons were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the armed forces to halt unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government opts for authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a contender stated.

New York City community groups spoke out also.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with tactical trucks, covered personnel and riot gear to target local sellers working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and communities," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it does not arrest or detain US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has found that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by ICE since the beginning of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US this year.

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are commonplace as are allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups stated medical neglect of pregnant women in ICE facilities.