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New York state attorney general has launched a fresh reporting form urging residents to share images and footage of ICE operations across the state. This move comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting widespread outcry.

US Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen has the right to live without fear," state officials wrote in a announcement.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations recently, I ask you to share that material with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal offers options to upload visual evidence of the raid, as well as a field to note where it occurred. Before submitting, individuals must check a box that states that "the attorney general could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a well-known area of the city where imitation products and additional items are regularly available en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of the operation depict numerous hooded and equipped personnel zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of residents followed the officers along the roads. An military-style transport was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four nationals were detained by ICE 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 let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman remarked. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the armed forces to stop violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on small merchants attempting to earn income. This raid had no connection to citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it refrains from take into custody American nationals. However, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents during the period of the current administration.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US this year.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests targeting federal operations are commonplace along with allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a document submitted by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of women with child in detention centers.