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New York state AG has launched a recent reporting form urging citizens to provide visual evidence of ICE operations throughout the state. This step follows a day after a major immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale protests.

US Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker announced during a midweek briefing that four citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to submit that material with my office. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The platform offers fields to submit visual evidence of the raid, along with a field to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, users must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general may use any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a court case or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included dozens of ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known district of NYC where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily widely – frequently to tourists.

Videos of the incident depict numerous masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of residents trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

During a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for without cause." He said the citizens were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the troops to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – all three political contenders criticized the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it refrains from take into custody US citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has found that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities during the period of the present government.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in New York and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are widespread including allegations of force and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document filed by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of pregnant women in ICE facilities.