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The state AG has rolled out a new reporting form urging citizens to share photos and videos of immigration raids across New York. This move comes just a day after a significant immigration operation disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass protests.

US Citizens Detained During Raid

A congressional representative announced during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

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

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations during the raid, I ask you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are pledged to assessing these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The platform includes spaces to send visual evidence of the incident, as well as a section to indicate location information. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a box that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which observers say featured more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a popular district of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily widely – often to visitors.

Footage of the incident depict multiple masked and armed personnel securing and holding a man, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of locals trailed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the urban roads.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the individuals were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This represents a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the troops to prevent unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the incident, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, instead of protection. It has to end," a contender stated.

New York City community groups voiced concern too.

"Federal officers targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the organization has said it refrains from arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US this year.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing federal operations are widespread including accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a document filed by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.