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New York state attorney general has launched a recent reporting form encouraging locals to provide images and footage of ICE operations throughout New York. This action comes just a day after a significant immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread protests.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were detained and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests occurred in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I encourage you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal includes fields to submit photos and videos of the incident, plus a field to indicate location information. When submitting, submitters must tick a option that states that "the attorney general may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say involved over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a popular area of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – typically to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid show numerous masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Crowds of locals trailed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a news conference organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He noted the individuals were released on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This is a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the military to halt unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates condemned the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's immigrant rights groups spoke out as well.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with tactical trucks, masked agents and riot gear to target local sellers working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it refrains from take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide lately.

A recent action in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are widespread as are accusations of violence and cruel conditions.

Latest, a document provided by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in ICE facilities.