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The state AG has rolled out a new reporting form asking residents to provide photos and videos of immigration raids across New York. This move comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen deserves to exist without intimidation," the AG declared in a release.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations during the raid, I urge you to provide that footage with my office. We are dedicated to examining these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The portal includes options to upload images and video footage of the incident, as well as a area to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, users must tick a option that acknowledges that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured more than 50 federal agents, happened in a famous neighborhood of the city where counterfeit products and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of the incident reveal multiple masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Crowds of locals pursued the officers along the roads. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a news conference held with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for without cause." He noted the persons were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"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 purely a excuse to generate turmoil for this administration to deploy the armed forces to halt conflict that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid quickly spread – each of the political contenders criticized the raid, as did the state leader.

"Yet again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," a contender declared.

NYC community groups voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," said the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has claimed it will not apprehend citizens. Nevertheless, external research has found that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the beginning of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Protests targeting immigration enforcement are widespread along with allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.