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The state AG has launched a new reporting form encouraging locals to submit photos and videos of ICE operations across New York. This step comes just a day after a significant immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen deserves to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to share that footage with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal provides options to submit photos and videos of the raid, as well as a area to indicate location information. Prior to sending, users must check a box that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a famous neighborhood of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily en masse – frequently to tourists.

Videos of the incident reveal several hooded and equipped personnel securing and holding a person, and shoving away bystanders. Masses of residents pursued the agents along the roads. An armored truck was noticed moving along the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be taken for no reason." He said the individuals were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he remarked. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the troops to prevent conflict that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – all three mayoral candidates criticized the operation, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, not safety. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out as well.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, covered personnel and riot gear to target small merchants working to survive. This operation had no connection to public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and communities," stated the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it will not arrest or detain American nationals. However, independent reporting has discovered that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in the state and around the country lately.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests targeting ICE are widespread including allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter provided by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.