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The state attorney general has launched a new online portal encouraging residents to provide photos and videos of ICE operations around the state. This move follows a day after a high-profile ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen deserves to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are committed to examining these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal offers fields to submit visual evidence of the raid, as well as a section to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must check a option that confirms that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured more than 50 government officers, occurred in a famous neighborhood of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Videos of the incident reveal numerous hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers followed the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He noted the persons were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the military to prevent conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and protective equipment to go after small merchants working to survive. This raid had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has said it will not apprehend American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in New York and nationwide this year.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting federal operations are ubiquitous as are accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter submitted by civil rights groups stated medical neglect of pregnant women in ICE facilities.