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The state AG has launched a new online portal encouraging residents to submit images and footage of ICE operations around the state. This step comes just a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting large-scale protests.

American Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A congressional representative revealed during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen is entitled to reside free from terror," the AG declared in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and documented ICE activity during the raid, I encourage you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform provides options to submit visual evidence of the incident, plus a section to note location information. Before submitting, individuals must mark a option that acknowledges that "the office could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved over fifty federal agents, occurred in a famous district of the city where imitation products and other goods are sold daily en masse – frequently to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid show numerous masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and shoving away onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the personnel through the streets. An armored truck was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He clarified the individuals were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman remarked. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to provoke conflict for this administration to deploy the armed forces to stop conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – all three political contenders condemned the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

The city's immigrant rights groups voiced concern too.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, covered personnel and riot gear to target small merchants working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has claimed it will not take into custody US citizens. However, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been becoming more common in NY and around the country lately.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the present government. Rallies targeting ICE are ubiquitous as are claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission filed by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in detention centers.