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New York state attorney general has introduced a fresh reporting form encouraging residents to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This move comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread outcry.

American Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and detained for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to live without fear," state officials stated in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal includes spaces to send photos and videos of the operation, along with a section to specify geographic details. When submitting, submitters must check a checkbox that confirms that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say involved more than 50 government officers, occurred in a well-known area of Manhattan where fake products and additional items are sold daily en masse – often to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show several covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a man, and forcing aside witnesses. Crowds of locals trailed the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a news conference held with the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He said the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the troops to halt conflict that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," a contender declared.

The city's community groups spoke out as well.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to target local sellers trying to make a living. This action had no connection to citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it will not arrest or detain citizens. However, independent reporting has discovered that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in New York and nationwide recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests opposing ICE are ubiquitous along with allegations of force and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document provided by civil rights groups alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.