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New York state attorney general has launched a recent reporting form urging residents to share photos and videos of immigration raids across the state. This action follows a shortly after a major ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread protests.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity recently, I encourage you to share that material with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these reports and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform provides spaces to submit photos and videos of the operation, as well as a section to indicate geographic details. When submitting, users must mark a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a popular area of the city where imitation products and merchandise are commonly traded in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Footage of the incident reveal numerous hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a man, and pushing back bystanders. Throngs of locals trailed the personnel through the streets. An armored truck was observed traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be taken for unjustly." He said the individuals were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the troops to stop conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – each of the political contenders denounced the raid, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," a political candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"Federal officers targeted Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on street vendors working to survive. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it does not apprehend US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and across the US this year.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies opposing ICE are ubiquitous including accusations of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission provided by advocacy organizations stated inadequate care of pregnant women in detention centers.