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New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent reporting form encouraging locals to provide photos and videos of ICE operations across the state. This action follows a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Held During ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents deserves to live without fear," state officials wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to submit that footage with us. We are pledged to examining these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The portal offers fields to upload visual evidence of the operation, as well as a field to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a option that acknowledges that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say involved more than 50 federal agents, happened in a famous area of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available in large quantities – typically to tourists.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid reveal several masked and armed personnel restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of locals pursued the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the city streets.

Leadership Statements

During a midweek briefing organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for without cause." He said the citizens were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the armed forces to prevent violence that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, including the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents raided Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to target local sellers working to survive. This action had no connection to citizen protection and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has said it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the present government.

Recent Pattern

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

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests against ICE are widespread along with accusations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a document filed by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.