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New York state attorney general has rolled out a fresh online portal urging citizens to share visual evidence of ICE operations throughout the state. This step follows a day after a high-profile immigration operation rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass protests.

US Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were arrested and held for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general declared in a announcement.

"For those who saw and documented ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to provide that footage with us. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The form offers fields to send images and video footage of the raid, along with a field to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, users must check a box that states that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved more than 50 federal agents, took place in a well-known area of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded en masse – typically to visitors.

Footage of the incident depict several masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of residents pursued the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the city streets.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference featuring the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He noted the persons were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a justification to incite violence for the government to bring in the military to stop conflict that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects oppressive displays that create fear, not safety. It has to end," a contender stated.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to target local sellers trying to make a living. This action had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the leader of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it does not arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has found that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations opposing ICE are ubiquitous as are accusations of force and abusive practices.

Recently, a submission submitted by legal entities claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.