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New York state AG has introduced a new reporting form urging residents to submit photos and videos of immigration raids throughout New York. This action follows a day after a high-profile ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

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

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to provide that footage with us. We are dedicated to examining these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The platform includes fields to send visual evidence of the incident, plus a section to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must check a checkbox that states that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say featured dozens of government officers, happened in a well-known area of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of the operation depict several masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four US citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the persons were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for the government to utilize the troops to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the immigration operation quickly spread – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, along with the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"ICE raided the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to community security and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," stated the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it will not take into custody citizens. Yet, external research has found that over 170 citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in New York and across the US recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting federal operations are ubiquitous along with accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

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