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New York state AG has launched a recent reporting form urging citizens to share photos and videos of immigration raids around New York. This action comes just a day after a significant immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to submit that footage with us. We are dedicated to examining these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The platform offers options to submit images and video footage of the operation, along with a section to indicate location information. When submitting, individuals must mark a option that states that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included dozens of federal agents, occurred in a famous area of Manhattan where counterfeit products and merchandise are sold daily en masse – often to tourists.

Videos of the operation show several hooded and equipped personnel securing and holding a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for no reason." He said the citizens were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for this administration to deploy the armed forces to halt violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the federal action quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, along with the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"ICE raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," remarked the president of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it does not take into custody American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Current Situation

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

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests targeting federal operations are widespread as are accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission filed by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.