New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the creation of a public reporting portal for residents to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement actions, following a high-profile Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in Manhattan's Chinatown that drew hundreds of protesters and renewed debate over the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
The "Federal Action Reporting Portal" allows users to upload images, videos, and location details of federal operations. "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."
As The Guardian reports, the form offers spaces to submit images and video footage of the raid, as well as a place to indicate location information. Before submitting, users must check a box that indicates that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos I provided in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or public report or statement".
The announcement came a day after dozens of armed federal agents, many masked, raided Canal Street vendors in an operation that federal officials said targeted counterfeit goods. Videos circulated online showing agents zip-tying individuals and pushing onlookers aside as armored vehicles rolled through the streets. Witnesses said at least seven people were detained, though local advocates estimated up to 40 arrests.
According to Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, ICE and partner agencies including the FBI and DEA conducted "a targeted, intelligence-driven enforcement operation" focused on criminal activity related to counterfeit goods. McLaughlin said "rioters became violent and obstructed law enforcement duties," and confirmed one arrest for assaulting a federal officer.
Local officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, condemned the federal action and emphasized that New York City "does not cooperate with federal law enforcement on civil deportations." Adams wrote that "undocumented New Yorkers trying to pursue their American dreams should not be the target of law enforcement."
Governor Kathy Hochul also criticized the raid, calling it "authoritarian theatrics" and "an abuse of federal power:"
.@realDonaldTrump claims he’s targeting the “worst of the worst.”⁰⁰Today his agents used batons and pepper spray on street vendors and bystanders on Canal Street.⁰⁰You don’t make New York safer by attacking New Yorkers.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) October 21, 2025
Tuesday's Chinatown raid followed a similar October 16 action in midtown Manhattan and came as the Trump administration expands immigration enforcement efforts in Democratic-led cities.
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