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New York state attorney general has introduced a new reporting form encouraging locals to submit photos and videos of immigration raids across New York. This move comes just a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents has the right to live without fear," state officials stated in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and captured ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to submit that material with the authorities. We are dedicated to examining these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal includes options to upload photos and videos of the incident, plus a section to note where it occurred. Before submitting, submitters must check a checkbox that confirms that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included more than 50 government officers, occurred in a well-known area of Manhattan where counterfeit products and other goods are regularly available en masse – often to tourists.

Videos of the incident depict numerous hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of locals pursued the agents through the streets. An armored truck was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated 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 arrested for no reason." He said the persons were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman said. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the military to stop violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every mayoral candidates criticized the raid, as did the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's community groups voiced concern too.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to target small merchants working to survive. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the bureau has said it will not apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US this year.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests against federal operations are widespread along with accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a letter provided by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.