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New York state attorney general has launched a fresh reporting form urging citizens to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This step follows a day after a major immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

US Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a release.

"For those who saw and recorded ICE activity recently, I encourage you to share that material with my office. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form includes fields to upload images and video footage of the operation, along with a field to note location information. Before submitting, users must check a box that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which observers say featured dozens of government officers, happened in a well-known district of NYC where imitation purses, items, goods and additional items are regularly available widely – often to sightseers.

Videos of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a man, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of residents trailed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was noticed moving along the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a news conference featuring the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for this administration to deploy the troops to prevent conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the federal action escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender stated.

The city's advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to focus on street vendors working to survive. This raid had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," remarked the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it refrains from arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and across the US recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Demonstrations against ICE are commonplace including claims of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in ICE facilities.