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The state attorney general has rolled out a fresh reporting form encouraging locals to share images and footage of immigration raids across New York. This action follows a shortly after a significant enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

American Citizens Held In Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I encourage you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form provides fields to send photos and videos of the operation, as well as a field to specify location information. Prior to sending, individuals must check a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a court case or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which observers say included more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a famous area of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded widely – typically to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal several masked and armed personnel restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of residents pursued the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored truck was observed rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a news conference featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for without cause." He clarified the individuals were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is purely a justification to incite violence for this administration to bring in the troops to prevent unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the immigration operation escalated – every mayoral candidates denounced the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Once again, the current administration chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to community security and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the leader of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it will not apprehend American nationals. Nevertheless, independent reporting has found that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in the state and nationwide lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the present government. Protests targeting ICE are widespread including accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter submitted by legal entities stated medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.