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The state attorney general has launched a new reporting form encouraging citizens to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This move follows a day after a high-profile ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting large-scale protests.

American Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a release.

"If you witnessed and captured federal operations recently, I ask you to share that footage with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form provides spaces to send visual evidence of the incident, as well as a section to note location information. When submitting, submitters must tick a box that states that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included over fifty ICE personnel, took place in a popular area of Manhattan where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily widely – often to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict multiple masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of locals pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the urban roads.

Political Response

At a news conference organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He clarified the persons were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for this administration to bring in the troops to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – all three political contenders criticized the operation, as did the state leader.

"Yet again, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"ICE descended on Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on street vendors trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has said it refrains from apprehend citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests targeting ICE are commonplace as are accusations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a document submitted by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of women with child in government custody.