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The state attorney general has introduced a new online portal encouraging residents to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This move follows a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Held During Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

"Anyone who observed and documented immigration enforcement recently, I encourage you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform provides options to submit visual evidence of the raid, plus a area to indicate where it occurred. Before submitting, individuals must mark a option that acknowledges that "authorities might employ 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 more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a popular area of Manhattan where imitation products and other goods are regularly available en masse – typically to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show numerous hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a person, and shoving away onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for without cause." He noted the persons were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to generate turmoil for federal officials to utilize the military to stop violence that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

NYC advocacy organizations expressed outrage too.

"ICE descended on the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after street vendors working to survive. This operation had no connection to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it does not take into custody citizens. Yet, external research has found that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

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

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Protests against immigration enforcement are commonplace along with accusations of force and abusive practices.

Latest, a document submitted by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of women with child in detention centers.