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The state attorney general has rolled out a new reporting form asking locals to share visual evidence of ICE operations throughout the state. This step comes just a day after a significant immigration operation rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting mass outcry.

American Citizens Arrested During Raid

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," the AG declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to share that footage with my office. We are pledged to examining these accounts and determining any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal offers options to send visual evidence of the incident, plus a section to indicate where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a checkbox that states that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which observers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a famous area of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are commonly traded in large quantities – typically to sightseers.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict several hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of New Yorkers trailed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

In a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He noted the individuals were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a justification to incite violence for the government to bring in the armed forces to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, along with the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, covered personnel and riot gear to target small merchants trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has said it refrains from take into custody US citizens. However, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the present government.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been becoming more common in New York and around the country recently.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing ICE are widespread as are allegations of aggression and abusive practices.

Recently, a letter submitted by legal entities stated inadequate care of pregnant women in ICE facilities.