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New York state attorney general has launched a fresh reporting form encouraging citizens to provide images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This move follows a shortly after a major immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and documented ICE activity recently, I urge you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal offers options to upload visual evidence of the operation, along with a area to indicate geographic details. When submitting, users must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office may use any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included dozens of ICE personnel, took place in a well-known district of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily en masse – typically to sightseers.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid reveal numerous covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Throngs of residents trailed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He said the persons were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the military to halt unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the political contenders condemned the incident, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," a contender stated.

The city's community groups spoke out too.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This operation had no relation to public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the leader of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it does not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has revealed that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests against federal operations are widespread including allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter submitted by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.