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New York state attorney general has rolled out a new reporting form asking citizens to submit photos and videos of immigration raids across New York. This action comes just a shortly after a major enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations recently, I encourage you to submit that material with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform includes options to upload photos and videos of the incident, plus a field to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, users must mark a box that confirms that "the office could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say featured dozens of government officers, took place in a well-known district of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are regularly available widely – typically to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show numerous covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of residents trailed the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for without cause." He noted the persons were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is simply a excuse to incite violence for the government to deploy the military to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

The city's community groups voiced concern too.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This raid had no connection to citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," remarked the leader of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the detention of US citizens and the bureau has said it does not apprehend US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has found that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

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

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests opposing federal operations are commonplace along with claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.