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New York state attorney general has launched a fresh reporting form encouraging citizens to submit images and footage of immigration raids across New York. This step comes just a day after a high-profile enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A US congressman announced during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and kept for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," state officials declared in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement during the raid, I encourage you to share that footage with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal offers fields to submit photos and videos of the raid, plus a area to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say involved more than 50 government officers, happened in a famous area of NYC where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded en masse – frequently to visitors.

Footage of the operation depict several masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a person, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of residents trailed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the city streets.

Political Response

At a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He said the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to generate turmoil for federal officials to deploy the military to stop violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has said it will not arrest or detain American nationals. However, external research has found that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by ICE during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in NY and around the country recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the current administration. Demonstrations against ICE are widespread along with accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document submitted by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of expectant mothers in detention centers.