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New York state AG has launched a recent reporting form urging residents to provide images and footage of ICE operations throughout New York. This move comes just a day after a significant ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking large-scale protests.

US Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented federal operations yesterday, I urge you to share that evidence with us. We are pledged to assessing these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form provides spaces to submit images and video footage of the operation, as well as a section to specify location information. When submitting, users must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say involved more than 50 federal agents, happened in a famous area of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are regularly available en masse – frequently to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict multiple covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of locals trailed the officers through the streets. An military-style transport was also seen traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He noted the persons were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the armed forces to stop conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – all three political contenders criticized the incident, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration opts for oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's community groups spoke out also.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," said the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines forbids the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it refrains from apprehend American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and around the country recently.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting ICE are ubiquitous as are allegations of force and abusive practices.

Recently, a document provided by legal entities claimed inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.