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New York state attorney general has rolled out a new reporting form encouraging residents to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This move follows a shortly after a major ICE raid shook NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass outcry.

American Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"For those who saw and captured immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to submit that evidence with my office. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The platform includes fields to submit images and video footage of the raid, along with a area to indicate geographic details. When submitting, users must tick a box that states that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved dozens of ICE personnel, occurred in a popular area of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – often to visitors.

Videos of the incident depict numerous hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of residents trailed the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four nationals were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for no reason." He said the citizens were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for the government to bring in the military to prevent unrest that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC community groups spoke out as well.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on street vendors trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it does not arrest or detain American nationals. However, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in the state and around the country lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the present government. Protests targeting ICE are widespread including allegations of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission filed by civil rights groups alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in detention centers.