New York State Attorney General Letitia James has launched a “Federal Action Reporting Portal” for residents to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement actions. The announcement came a day after a high-profile ICE raid in Manhattan’s Chinatown sparked protests across the city.
Four U.S. citizens were arrested during Tuesday’s raid and held for nearly 24 hours before being released without charges, according to Congressman Dan Goldman. The raid drew hundreds of onlookers and ignited widespread outrage.
“Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear or intimidation,” James said in a statement. “If you witnessed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to share that footage with my office. We are committed to reviewing these reports and assessing any violations of law.”
The reporting portal allows users to submit images, videos, and location information. Submissions must acknowledge that the attorney general may use the materials in public reports or legal proceedings.
The Chinatown raid involved over 50 heavily armed federal agents targeting shops known for selling counterfeit goods, including handbags, jewelry, and accessories. Videos of the raid show agents in riot gear detaining individuals while onlookers followed through city streets. An armored vehicle was also seen moving through Manhattan. ICE issued a press release listing alleged criminal records for some detainees.
Goldman criticized the detention of U.S. citizens, saying: “There are no circumstances where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason. This is a militarized effort to incite tension, not a legitimate law enforcement action.”
Outrage quickly spread across New York. All three mayoral candidates condemned the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul. Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani posted on X: “Once again, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It must stop.”
Immigrant rights organizations also denounced the raid. Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigrant Coalition, said: “ICE descended on Manhattan’s Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents, and riot gear to target street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families.”
ICE policy prohibits the detention of U.S. citizens. Despite this, reporting by ProPublica found that more than 170 U.S. citizens have been held by ICE since the start of the second Trump administration.
Raids have become increasingly common across New York and the U.S. this year. On 16 October, ICE conducted its first known raid on an immigrant shelter under the current administration. Protests against ICE operations have been widespread, with frequent allegations of inhumane treatment and excessive force.
Civil rights groups, including the ACLU, have raised concerns about medical neglect in ICE facilities, particularly for pregnant women. The latest Chinatown raid has intensified scrutiny of federal immigration practices and renewed calls for accountability.
Attorney General James’s portal allows New Yorkers to document ICE activity and helps ensure that any violations of law are investigated. Authorities hope that increased public reporting will bring greater transparency to federal enforcement operations in the city.
