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New York state attorney general has rolled out a new reporting form asking locals to provide visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This action comes just a day after a major enforcement action disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting mass protests.

US Citizens Held In Raid

A congressional representative announced during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to live without fear," state officials stated in a release.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity recently, I urge you to provide that footage with us. We are pledged to examining these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form offers options to submit images and video footage of the operation, plus a area to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, users must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured more than 50 federal agents, took place in a famous district of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily en masse – often to tourists.

Videos of the operation show numerous masked and armed federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of locals followed the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the city streets.

Official Reactions

In a news conference featuring the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for without cause." He clarified the citizens were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman remarked. "This represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for the government to deploy the armed forces to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

New York City community groups expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers targeted the neighborhood with tactical trucks, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This action had no connection to public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and communities," remarked the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the bureau has said it does not arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by ICE since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in NY and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests against federal operations are ubiquitous including accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a letter submitted by legal entities alleged medical neglect of women with child in government custody.