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New York state attorney general has rolled out a new online portal encouraging citizens to provide visual evidence of ICE operations around New York. This action comes just a day after a major immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

American Citizens Arrested In Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents has the right to live without fear," the AG stated in a announcement.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are dedicated to examining these submissions and evaluating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form includes options to submit photos and videos of the raid, along with a section to indicate geographic details. When submitting, individuals must mark a option that states that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say involved more than 50 federal agents, took place in a well-known area of NYC where imitation products and other goods are sold daily in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Recordings of the incident show numerous covered and weaponized personnel securing and holding a individual, and shoving away bystanders. Throngs of residents followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He clarified the individuals were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman remarked. "This is a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the military to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration opts for oppressive displays that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

NYC community groups voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to target street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had no connection to public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it will not take into custody US citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has found that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in the state and nationwide recently.

An October operation in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the present government. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are widespread including allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of pregnant women in detention centers.