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New York state AG has rolled out a recent reporting form urging locals to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This move comes just a shortly after a major immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

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

"For those who saw and recorded ICE activity recently, I urge you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The platform provides fields to send photos and videos of the operation, as well as a section to note location information. When submitting, individuals must mark a checkbox that states that "authorities could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say involved over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a well-known area of the city where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available en masse – typically to tourists.

Footage of the incident depict numerous covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of locals pursued the agents along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed moving along the city streets.

Political Response

During a midweek briefing featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be taken for unjustly." He said the persons were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a justification to incite violence for the government to deploy the military to stop conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, as did the state leader.

"Yet again, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a contender stated.

The city's community groups voiced concern too.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after local sellers working to survive. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," said the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it does not take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in New York and around the country recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission provided by advocacy organizations stated inadequate care of women with child in ICE facilities.