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The state attorney general has rolled out a fresh online portal encouraging locals to submit photos and videos of ICE operations across the state. This move comes just a day after a major enforcement action shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to submit that evidence with us. We are pledged to assessing these accounts and evaluating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal provides options to send images and video footage of the operation, plus a field to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, individuals must check a box that acknowledges that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say included more than 50 federal agents, took place in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily en masse – often to visitors.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show several hooded and equipped federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of locals trailed the agents through the streets. An armored truck was observed rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

During a midweek briefing featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be taken for no reason." He noted the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman remarked. "This is a militarized effort to incite tension. It is simply a excuse to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the armed forces to stop conflict that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid quickly spread – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate wrote.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"ICE raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after small merchants attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to community security and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it does not apprehend US citizens. However, external research has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in New York and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace including allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a document provided by advocacy organizations alleged medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.