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New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent reporting form encouraging residents to share photos and videos of immigration raids throughout New York. This step comes just a day after a significant immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread outcry.

US Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and captured ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to provide that material with us. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal provides options to upload visual evidence of the incident, as well as a field to indicate location information. Before submitting, individuals must check a checkbox that confirms that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which witnesses say featured more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a popular district of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are commonly traded widely – often to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of residents followed the officers along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He said the individuals were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the military to prevent unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – every mayoral candidates criticized the operation, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate declared.

The city's immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, masked agents and tactical gear to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This action had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and communities," stated the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has said it will not arrest or detain US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by federal agents during the period of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US this year.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests opposing federal operations are ubiquitous as are accusations of force and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.