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The state AG has introduced a new reporting form asking residents to provide visual evidence of immigration raids throughout New York. This move comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation shook NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass outcry.

American Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests erupted in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to live without fear," the AG stated in a announcement.

"For those who saw and documented federal operations during the raid, I urge you to share that evidence with us. We are committed to examining these reports and evaluating any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal includes fields to submit visual evidence of the operation, as well as a section to note where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must tick a option that confirms that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured more than 50 government officers, occurred in a well-known area of Manhattan where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are regularly available widely – often to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict numerous hooded and equipped personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers followed the officers through the streets. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman remarked. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is purely a excuse to generate turmoil for the government to bring in the armed forces to halt unrest that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – all three mayoral candidates denounced the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Once again, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC community groups expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This raid had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," said the leader of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has claimed it does not apprehend US citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations opposing ICE are ubiquitous along with claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a document filed by civil rights groups alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.