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New York state AG has introduced a recent online portal encouraging citizens to submit images and footage of immigration raids around the state. This move comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread outcry.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and detained for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Protests broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents deserves to live without fear," the AG wrote in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded ICE activity during the raid, I ask you to submit that evidence with my office. We are committed to assessing these reports and determining any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form offers fields to send images and video footage of the incident, as well as a field to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, users must tick a box that states that "authorities may use any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say included more than 50 federal agents, took place in a popular neighborhood of NYC where imitation purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily en masse – often to visitors.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict multiple covered and weaponized officers restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of residents trailed the officers along the roads. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

At a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for without cause." He clarified the citizens were freed 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 constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the military to halt violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate declared.

NYC community groups spoke out as well.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to public safety and focused completely on frightening communities and communities," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it refrains from apprehend citizens. However, external research has found that over 170 American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in NY and across the US lately.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against federal operations are widespread including allegations of force and cruel conditions.

Recently, a letter provided by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.