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New York state AG has launched a fresh reporting form urging residents to provide visual evidence of immigration raids across New York. This move comes just a day after a major enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass protests.

US Citizens Held During ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Protests erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG declared in a release.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity recently, I urge you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The platform provides fields to upload photos and videos of the raid, along with a area to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a public document, including in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which witnesses say involved dozens of government officers, happened in a popular area of NYC where imitation products and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict numerous covered and weaponized personnel securing and holding a man, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers followed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He clarified the persons were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the armed forces to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

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

"Once again, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Federal officers raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This action had no connection to citizen protection and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it does not apprehend American nationals. However, independent reporting has discovered that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US recently.

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests against federal operations are ubiquitous including claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

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