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New York state AG has launched a new reporting form asking residents to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This action follows a day after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a announcement.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to submit that material with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The form includes options to send visual evidence of the operation, as well as a area to indicate location information. Before submitting, submitters must check a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say included more than 50 government officers, happened in a famous neighborhood of the city where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available widely – frequently to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal several covered and weaponized officers zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

In a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be taken for no reason." He said the citizens were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for this administration to deploy the military to halt violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – every mayoral candidates criticized the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

New York City community groups expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This action had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on intimidating residents and neighborhoods," remarked the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has said it refrains from apprehend citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

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

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations opposing ICE are ubiquitous as are accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.