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New York state AG has rolled out a recent reporting form asking residents to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This action follows a day after a significant ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass protests.

American Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to provide that material with us. We are committed to assessing these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form provides fields to submit visual evidence of the incident, as well as a field to specify location information. When submitting, individuals must tick a option that confirms that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved over fifty government officers, took place in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded in large quantities – typically to tourists.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict multiple hooded and equipped federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen moving along the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a news conference featuring the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He said the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to generate turmoil for this administration to utilize the military to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every mayoral candidates criticized the operation, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a contender wrote.

New York City advocacy organizations expressed outrage also.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to public safety and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," said the leader of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it does not arrest or detain citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in the state and around the country lately.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations against federal operations are commonplace along with claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document provided by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of women with child in detention centers.