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The state attorney general has launched a fresh reporting form asking residents to submit visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This action comes just a day after a significant ICE raid shook NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies occurred in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen has the right to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a announcement.

"For those who saw and recorded ICE activity during the raid, I ask you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these reports and determining any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal includes spaces to send photos and videos of the operation, along with a field to note location information. Before submitting, individuals must tick a box that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say included over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a popular district of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded in large quantities – often to tourists.

Footage of the incident depict numerous covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside onlookers. Throngs of residents followed the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He noted the citizens were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to provoke conflict for federal officials to deploy the troops to halt violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation escalated – all three political contenders denounced the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, rather than security. It has to end," a political candidate stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and tactical gear to focus on street vendors working to survive. This raid had no connection to public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it will not take into custody American nationals. Yet, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide this year.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations opposing federal operations are ubiquitous including claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter filed by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of women with child in ICE facilities.