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New York state attorney general has launched a new online portal asking locals to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This move follows a day after a major immigration operation disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass outcry.

US Citizens Held During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I ask you to submit that material with us. We are pledged to examining these reports and investigating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The form provides fields to submit photos and videos of the operation, as well as a section to note location information. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved dozens of ICE personnel, occurred in a famous area of Manhattan where imitation products and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to tourists.

Footage of the operation depict several masked and armed federal agents restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of New Yorkers trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen moving along the city streets.

Leadership Statements

During a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four American citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the persons were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This is a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the military to prevent violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This operation had no connection to public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it does not arrest or detain citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US this year.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests opposing ICE are widespread along with accusations of force and abusive practices.

Recently, a submission filed by civil rights groups stated medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.