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New York state AG has introduced a new online portal urging residents to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This action comes just a day after a major ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to live without fear," the AG declared in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded federal operations yesterday, I urge you to provide that material with my office. We are committed to examining these reports and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal provides options to submit images and video footage of the raid, along with a section to indicate where it occurred. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a box that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, including in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a famous area of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily in large quantities – often to visitors.

Footage of the incident show multiple hooded and equipped federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and shoving away witnesses. Throngs of residents trailed the personnel through the streets. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a midweek briefing held with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be taken for without cause." He noted the persons were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This is a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for the government to utilize the military to stop conflict that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid rapidly grew – every political contenders criticized the operation, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, rather than security. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC advocacy organizations expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to target local sellers working to survive. This operation had no connection to public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it will not apprehend US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been becoming more common in the state and nationwide recently.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies targeting ICE are widespread including allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups stated inadequate care of women with child in government custody.