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The state attorney general has introduced a fresh reporting form asking locals to submit images and footage of immigration raids across the state. This step comes just a day after a major ICE raid shook NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass outcry.

US Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents has the right to live without fear," state officials wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to provide that evidence with my office. We are committed to assessing these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The platform provides fields to upload visual evidence of the incident, along with a section to specify geographic details. Before submitting, individuals must check a checkbox that confirms that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say featured dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available widely – often to tourists.

Footage of the incident show numerous hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of locals trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen moving along the city streets.

Official Reactions

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He said the citizens were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is merely a excuse to generate turmoil for the government to bring in the armed forces to prevent violence that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, not safety. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on street vendors working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about frightening communities and communities," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it will not arrest or detain US citizens. However, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US recently.

An October operation in the city center was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the present government. Protests opposing ICE are commonplace as are claims of force and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document submitted by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of women with child in ICE facilities.