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The state attorney general has launched a new reporting form asking residents to share visual evidence of ICE operations around the state. This action comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "almost a full day" following the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal provides fields to send visual evidence of the raid, along with a section to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, individuals must tick a checkbox that confirms that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a official report, including in a court case or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured dozens of federal agents, took place in a popular district of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict several hooded and equipped personnel securing and holding a person, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of New Yorkers followed the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

In a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the persons were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman stated. "This is a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to bring in the military to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – every mayoral candidates condemned the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a political candidate stated.

The city's community groups voiced concern as well.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to target street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," remarked the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it will not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that over 170 citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US this year.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests opposing ICE are commonplace as are claims of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a document submitted by legal entities claimed inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.