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New York state attorney general has launched a fresh reporting form encouraging citizens to provide images and footage of immigration raids across New York. This step comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering widespread protests.

US Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen has the right to reside free from terror," state officials stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and captured immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to share that material with us. We are dedicated to examining these reports and determining any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal includes spaces to send images and video footage of the operation, plus a area to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, users must check a box that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which observers say involved more than 50 government officers, occurred in a popular area of Manhattan where fake products and other goods are commonly traded widely – typically to tourists.

Videos of the incident show multiple hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen traveling down the city streets.

Leadership Statements

During a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman said. "This represents a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for the government to utilize the troops to prevent conflict that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the incident, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender declared.

The city's community groups spoke out as well.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to target small merchants working to survive. This action had nothing to do with community security and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," stated the president of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has said it does not arrest or detain US citizens. However, independent reporting has found that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in New York and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against ICE are widespread including allegations of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a document filed by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.