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New York state attorney general has launched a fresh reporting form urging citizens to submit images and footage of immigration raids around the state. This action comes just a day after a major ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread outcry.

US Citizens Held During ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

"If you witnessed and recorded federal operations during the raid, I ask you to provide that material with my office. We are pledged to examining these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform includes fields to upload photos and videos of the raid, as well as a area to note where it occurred. When submitting, users must mark a checkbox that confirms that "authorities might employ any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured over fifty federal agents, occurred in a well-known area of NYC where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded en masse – typically to visitors.

Recordings of the operation reveal multiple masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away bystanders. Throngs of New Yorkers followed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the citizens were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman remarked. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the troops to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the federal action escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, as did the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on street vendors working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the leader of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it does not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, independent reporting has discovered that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in the state and across the US lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Rallies opposing federal operations are widespread along with accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter submitted by legal entities stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.