"I am an American citizen," said Altman.
Another, Ahmed Mohana, who is a US citizen, said: "It is very hard, it is very tough.
Mr. Appelbaum, an American citizen, said the agents also seized his laptop computer and three cellphones.
"He was a law-abiding citizen," said Patricia Lionel, a close family friend.
One of the suspects was identified as James Kazongo, an American citizen, said an American Embassy spokesman.
"He is reluctant to go overseas and wants only to live like a normal Chinese citizen," said Mr. Fu.
"It's as though his country's neutrality makes him a global citizen," said Tony Godsick, his longtime agent.
Bernard Kouchner, the foreign minister of France, where Mr. Polanski, 76, is a citizen, said he was "delighted" at the ruling.
"Wal-Mart tries to project an improved image as a good corporate citizen," said Brad Seligman, a lawyer for the plaintiffs.
"They've been a very good corporate citizen," said Harold Vogt, president of the Westchester County Chamber of Commerce.
"I feel like a second-class citizen," said Andrew Profitt at the Old Town Café Bar and Grill in Wethersfield.
