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New York state AG has launched a new online portal encouraging citizens to submit photos and videos of immigration raids throughout New York. This step comes just a day after a major ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread protests.

American Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and kept for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a release.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to share that material with us. We are committed to reviewing these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal includes spaces to send photos and videos of the operation, along with a field to specify location information. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general may use any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say involved over fifty federal agents, took place in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available widely – often to visitors.

Videos of the incident depict several masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of locals pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He noted the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman remarked. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to deploy the armed forces to stop unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the federal action escalated – every political contenders criticized the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," a contender stated.

The city's community groups spoke out also.

"Federal officers descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to target local sellers working to survive. This action had no relation to public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it refrains from apprehend US citizens. Yet, external research has revealed that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and around the country recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the current administration. Protests opposing ICE are widespread including accusations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document filed by legal entities alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.