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The state attorney general has rolled out a new reporting form urging locals to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This move comes just a shortly after a major enforcement action disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread outcry.

US Citizens Held In Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests occurred in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to reside free from terror," state officials declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to provide that evidence with us. We are committed to examining these submissions and determining any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The form offers spaces to upload visual evidence of the raid, plus a field to note location information. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a checkbox that confirms that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – often to tourists.

Videos of the incident reveal numerous masked and armed personnel securing and holding a man, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers pursued the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

In a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for without cause." He said the persons were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for this administration to utilize the military to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – each of the mayoral candidates condemned the incident, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender declared.

New York City community groups voiced concern also.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with tactical trucks, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. Yet, external research has revealed that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in New York and nationwide this year.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the present government. Protests targeting federal operations are widespread including allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter filed by legal entities alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.