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The state attorney general has introduced a new reporting form asking citizens to provide visual evidence of immigration raids across the state. This step comes just a day after a major enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering large-scale protests.

US Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A lawmaker revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to share that footage with my office. We are pledged to assessing these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal offers options to submit images and video footage of the operation, along with a section to note location information. Prior to sending, users must mark a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a well-known neighborhood of the city where imitation purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Videos of the operation reveal several masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of locals trailed the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was also seen traveling down the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He noted the persons were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman remarked. "This represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for this administration to utilize the military to prevent violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – all three political contenders criticized the raid, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has said it will not take into custody American nationals. Yet, external research has found that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests targeting immigration enforcement are widespread as are accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter provided by civil rights groups alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in detention centers.