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New York state attorney general has introduced a new reporting form asking citizens to share images and footage of immigration raids around the state. This step follows a day after a significant ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting widespread protests.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests occurred in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen deserves to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations recently, I ask you to share that footage with us. We are dedicated to examining these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform includes spaces to upload images and video footage of the raid, plus a area to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, users must tick a checkbox that confirms that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included dozens of government officers, happened in a well-known neighborhood of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily en masse – often to visitors.

Footage of the incident show numerous hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a individual, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers pursued the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be taken for no reason." He clarified the persons were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman said. "This is a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a pretext to incite violence for the government to deploy the armed forces to prevent violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, not safety. It has to end," a contender stated.

New York City advocacy organizations expressed outrage too.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to go after small merchants attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the organization has said it will not arrest or detain US citizens. However, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and around the country this year.

A recent action in the city center was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the present government. Demonstrations against federal operations are widespread including accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a document provided by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of expectant mothers in government custody.