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The state attorney general has launched a recent reporting form asking residents to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This action follows a shortly after a major ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering mass protests.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and kept for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations occurred in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents deserves to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I encourage you to provide that evidence with us. We are pledged to examining these reports and determining any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The form offers options to send images and video footage of the raid, plus a field to specify location information. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a box that states that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved more than 50 government officers, took place in a famous neighborhood of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily widely – frequently to sightseers.

Videos of the operation reveal numerous masked and armed officers securing and holding a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of locals trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for without cause." He noted the persons were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for this administration to utilize the troops to halt conflict that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on small merchants working to survive. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and communities," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it will not take into custody American nationals. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in NY and around the country recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies opposing ICE are ubiquitous as are claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter provided by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of pregnant women in ICE facilities.