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New York state AG has launched a new reporting form urging residents to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This action follows a shortly after a major ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies occurred in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the AG wrote in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and captured federal operations recently, I urge you to provide that material with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Submission Process

The form provides fields to submit visual evidence of the incident, along with a area to indicate where it occurred. Before submitting, submitters must check a option that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included dozens of federal agents, happened in a popular neighborhood of the city where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded en masse – typically to sightseers.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show multiple hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a person, and forcing aside onlookers. Throngs of residents trailed the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for unjustly." He noted the individuals were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a justification to incite violence for this administration to deploy the military to prevent violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – all three political contenders criticized the incident, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, instead of protection. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City immigrant rights groups voiced concern also.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and protective equipment to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it does not apprehend US citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in New York and nationwide lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests against federal operations are commonplace along with claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter filed by civil rights groups claimed healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.