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The state attorney general has introduced a fresh reporting form encouraging residents to provide visual evidence of immigration raids throughout the state. This step comes just a day after a major immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

US Citizens Held In Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations yesterday, I ask you to submit that footage with us. We are committed to assessing these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Form Details

The platform provides options to upload visual evidence of the incident, as well as a field to note geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must mark a option that acknowledges that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say included dozens of federal agents, occurred in a popular area of Manhattan where fake products and other goods are sold daily en masse – typically to sightseers.

Footage of the operation depict multiple covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of locals trailed the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was observed moving along the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He noted the individuals were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the armed forces to halt conflict that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the ICE raid quickly spread – each of the political contenders condemned the incident, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses oppressive displays that create fear, not safety. It must stop," a contender stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This operation had no connection to community security and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," said the head of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it will not take into custody American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has found that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country lately.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a submission filed by civil rights groups alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in detention centers.