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New York state AG has rolled out a fresh reporting form encouraging citizens to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This move comes just a day after a high-profile enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and detained for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to reside free from terror," the attorney general declared in a release.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to submit that material with the authorities. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal offers fields to upload photos and videos of the incident, plus a area to indicate location information. Prior to sending, users must tick a option that confirms that "the office could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say featured more than 50 federal agents, took place in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where imitation purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded en masse – frequently to visitors.

Footage of the operation show several hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the agents through the streets. An armored truck was also seen moving along the urban roads.

Official Reactions

In a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for no reason." He noted the persons were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman said. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a justification to incite violence for the government to deploy the troops to prevent conflict that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," a contender wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern as well.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and tactical gear to go after local sellers working to survive. This action had no relation to community security and focused completely on frightening communities and communities," stated the president of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has claimed it will not take into custody American nationals. However, external research has found that over 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in the state and around the country this year.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with claims of violence and abusive practices.

Recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations claimed healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.