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New York state attorney general has launched a recent reporting form urging locals to submit photos and videos of immigration raids across the state. This step comes just a day after a major immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were detained and held for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to share that material with the authorities. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form provides options to upload images and video footage of the raid, as well as a field to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must check a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included more than 50 federal agents, took place in a famous district of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of the operation show several covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of residents followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen moving along the city streets.

Political Response

At a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He noted the persons were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the troops to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the ICE raid quickly spread – every political contenders criticized the raid, including NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC community groups spoke out also.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," remarked the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines forbids the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it refrains from apprehend American nationals. However, investigative journalism has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing federal operations are ubiquitous as are accusations of force and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.