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New York state attorney general has launched a new reporting form asking citizens to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This step follows a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass outcry.

American Citizens Detained During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and kept for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents has the right to reside free from terror," the AG stated in a announcement.

"For those who saw and documented federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to submit that evidence with us. We are dedicated to examining these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The form includes spaces to send photos and videos of the raid, as well as a field to note where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must check a checkbox that states that "the attorney general may use any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say involved more than 50 government officers, took place in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where imitation products and merchandise are sold daily widely – typically to tourists.

Footage of the incident reveal numerous hooded and equipped federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of New Yorkers pursued the officers through the streets. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

During a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for without cause." He clarified the persons were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to generate turmoil for the government to bring in the troops to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, along with the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on small merchants working to survive. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," said the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been becoming more common in New York and around the country this year.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a document filed by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.