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New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent reporting form encouraging residents to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This move comes just a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A lawmaker revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity during the raid, I ask you to submit that footage with us. We are committed to examining these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal provides fields to send visual evidence of the raid, along with a field to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, users must tick a box that confirms that "the office could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which witnesses say involved dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a popular district of Manhattan where counterfeit products and additional items are commonly traded widely – typically to visitors.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid reveal several hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the personnel along the roads. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He clarified the persons 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 constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the military to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation escalated – all three political contenders criticized the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government selects oppressive displays that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a contender stated.

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern as well.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and tactical gear to target street vendors working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with citizen protection and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it will not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and nationwide this year.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing federal operations are commonplace along with accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a document submitted by civil rights groups alleged healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.