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New York state AG has introduced a recent reporting form encouraging citizens to share visual evidence of immigration raids around the state. This step follows a day after a high-profile immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A US congressman revealed during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Protests broke out in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG wrote in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to share that evidence with us. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and determining any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform offers fields to submit photos and videos of the operation, along with a area to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, users must check a checkbox that confirms that "the office might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known district of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Footage of the incident reveal multiple masked and armed federal agents securing and holding a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of residents pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

During a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be taken for without cause." He said the individuals were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to deploy the troops to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It must stop," a contender declared.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it does not take into custody citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in the state and nationwide recently.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations against ICE are widespread along with accusations of force and cruel conditions.

Latest, a document submitted by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.