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New York state AG has introduced a recent reporting form encouraging locals to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This move follows a day after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were taken into custody and detained for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Rallies erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity during the raid, I ask you to share that material with us. We are committed to examining these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The form provides spaces to upload photos and videos of the operation, along with a field to specify where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must mark a box that states that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which observers say included more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known district of the city where imitation products and merchandise are sold daily en masse – often to tourists.

Recordings of the operation show multiple covered and weaponized personnel securing and holding a man, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of residents pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

During a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for without cause." He said the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman remarked. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the military to stop unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – all three mayoral candidates denounced the incident, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," a political candidate declared.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and riot gear to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and neighborhoods," remarked the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it will not take into custody citizens. Yet, independent reporting has found that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and around the country this year.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies against federal operations are ubiquitous along with allegations of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.