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New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent reporting form asking citizens to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This move follows a day after a major ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass outcry.

US Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and kept for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general declared in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to examining these accounts and determining any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The form provides spaces to upload photos and videos of the incident, as well as a field to specify geographic details. When submitting, users must tick a option that confirms that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a court case or government document."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which witnesses say involved over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a popular neighborhood of the city where imitation products and other goods are sold daily in large quantities – typically to sightseers.

Videos of the incident show several hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and shoving away onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

At a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He said the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the troops to prevent conflict that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three mayoral candidates condemned the operation, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate wrote.

The city's immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after small merchants working to survive. This action had no connection to community security and focused completely on frightening communities and communities," stated the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it does not apprehend citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by ICE during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in the state and nationwide recently.

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests opposing federal operations are ubiquitous including claims of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a document submitted by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.