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New York state AG has launched a fresh reporting form encouraging citizens to submit photos and videos of ICE operations across the state. This move follows a day after a significant ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents is entitled to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement during the raid, I encourage you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform provides options to send visual evidence of the operation, as well as a section to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, users must mark a checkbox that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say featured more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a famous district of Manhattan where counterfeit products and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of the operation show multiple covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of locals pursued the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored truck was observed moving along the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be taken for unjustly." He said the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is simply a justification to incite violence for this administration to utilize the military to halt unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation quickly spread – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after local sellers working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and neighborhoods," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it will not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in the state and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations opposing federal operations are commonplace along with claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in detention centers.