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The state attorney general has rolled out a fresh reporting form asking residents to share visual evidence of immigration raids throughout New York. This move follows a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

American Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," the AG wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to share that material with my office. We are dedicated to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Form Details

The form offers spaces to send images and video footage of the raid, along with a area to specify location information. Before submitting, users must tick a checkbox that states that "the office could utilize any evidence provided in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say included more than 50 government officers, occurred in a well-known area of Manhattan where imitation products and additional items are regularly available en masse – frequently to tourists.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict several masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a individual, and shoving away bystanders. Masses of residents pursued the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored truck was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, said that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for no reason." He clarified the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a excuse to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the armed forces to stop unrest that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – every political contenders condemned the operation, including NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for oppressive displays that create fear, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"Immigration agents raided Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This raid had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it will not arrest or detain US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US recently.

An October operation in the city center was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting ICE are ubiquitous along with allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.