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The state attorney general has rolled out a recent reporting form encouraging locals to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This step comes just a day after a significant ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread outcry.

American Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the AG wrote in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations recently, I encourage you to share that evidence with us. We are dedicated to examining these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form provides options to send images and video footage of the operation, along with a field to note location information. Prior to sending, users must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a public document, including in a court case or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say featured dozens of federal agents, took place in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Recordings of the incident show numerous masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Masses of residents trailed the officers along the roads. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He noted the citizens were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the armed forces to prevent violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, including the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration chooses oppressive displays that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC community groups spoke out as well.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to target small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it refrains from apprehend US citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in NY and around the country recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations opposing ICE are widespread along with accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission provided by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.