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New York state AG has launched a recent online portal urging residents to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This step follows a day after a significant ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering mass outcry.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a announcement.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to submit that material with my office. We are committed to assessing these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal offers fields to submit visual evidence of the raid, plus a section to note geographic details. Prior to sending, users must check a checkbox that states that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which witnesses say included more than 50 government officers, occurred in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where imitation products and merchandise are commonly traded widely – typically to tourists.

Footage of the operation show numerous hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a individual, and shoving away bystanders. Masses of locals pursued the officers along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for without cause." He noted the persons were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman said. "This represents a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the armed forces to stop unrest that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the immigration operation quickly spread – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, instead of protection. It has to end," a contender wrote.

The city's community groups expressed outrage too.

"Immigration agents raided Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and communities," remarked the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines forbids the arrest of American nationals and the organization has said it does not apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in New York and nationwide this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a document provided by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.