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New York state AG has launched a recent reporting form urging residents to provide photos and videos of ICE operations across the state. This move follows a day after a major enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass protests.

American Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in NYC on consecutive evenings.

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

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations yesterday, I ask you to submit that evidence with my office. We are committed to reviewing these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The form includes fields to submit photos and videos of the operation, along with a field to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must mark a box that states that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a court case or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a popular neighborhood of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded widely – often to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid show multiple covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside witnesses. Crowds of residents followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

In a midweek briefing featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He said the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he remarked. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the troops to halt violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the immigration operation escalated – every political contenders criticized the incident, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it refrains from arrest or detain US citizens. However, external research has discovered that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in the state and around the country this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are widespread along with allegations of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.