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New York state attorney general has launched a fresh reporting form asking citizens to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This step comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a release.

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to examining these reports and determining any violations of law."

Submission Process

The platform provides fields to submit photos and videos of the raid, along with a section to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a option that states that "the office might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured over fifty federal agents, occurred in a popular area of Manhattan where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available in large quantities – typically to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal numerous covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of locals followed the officers along the roads. An military-style transport was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

During a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He said the individuals were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to incite violence for this administration to bring in the troops to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the federal action quickly spread – every political contenders condemned the incident, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"ICE raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This operation had no relation to public safety and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it does not take into custody citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in the state and around the country lately.

A recent action in the city center was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the current administration. Rallies opposing ICE are widespread including accusations of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a letter filed by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.