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New York state AG has introduced a fresh reporting form asking citizens to share images and footage of immigration raids throughout the state. This move comes just a day after a major enforcement action rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass protests.

American Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a release.

"For those who saw and documented ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to share that footage with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Form Details

The form includes fields to submit visual evidence of the incident, along with a section to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, individuals must check a box that confirms that "the office could utilize any evidence provided in a public document, including in a court case or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a famous area of Manhattan where counterfeit products and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Videos of the operation reveal several hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of locals pursued the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

In a news conference featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for without cause." He noted the persons were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This constitutes a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the military to stop unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the political contenders criticized the operation, along with the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

New York City community groups spoke out as well.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, masked agents and tactical gear to target small merchants trying to make a living. This action had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it does not apprehend citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has revealed that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

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

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests targeting federal operations are ubiquitous including allegations of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a document submitted by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.