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The state attorney general has introduced a new reporting form asking residents to submit images and footage of immigration raids throughout New York. This move follows a day after a high-profile enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering mass protests.

American Citizens Detained During Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and held for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in the city on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents deserves to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to provide that footage with us. We are dedicated to examining these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The form offers options to submit photos and videos of the operation, along with a section to indicate location information. Prior to sending, individuals must check a box that confirms that "the attorney general could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which witnesses say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a famous area of NYC where counterfeit products and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict several covered and weaponized officers zip-tying and detaining a person, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be taken for no reason." He said the citizens were released on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to deploy the troops to prevent violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – all three mayoral candidates denounced the raid, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Federal officers descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the leader of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it refrains from take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has found that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in New York and across the US recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing ICE are ubiquitous as are claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission filed by civil rights groups stated medical neglect of expectant mothers in detention centers.