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New York state AG has rolled out a recent reporting form encouraging residents to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This move comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations recently, I urge you to provide that footage with us. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal offers spaces to submit photos and videos of the operation, as well as a area to specify where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must tick a box that confirms that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured over fifty government officers, occurred in a well-known area of the city where counterfeit products and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal several masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of locals pursued the officers along the roads. An armored truck was also seen moving along the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He clarified the individuals were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to bring in the troops to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, including NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC community groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with community security and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," said the president of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it does not arrest or detain US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

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

An October operation in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests targeting immigration enforcement are widespread along with accusations of force and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission provided by legal entities alleged inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.