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The state attorney general has introduced a recent online portal encouraging citizens to share images and footage of ICE operations around the state. This action comes just a shortly after a major immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were taken into custody and kept for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general stated in a announcement.

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to provide that material with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform provides fields to upload images and video footage of the raid, as well as a section to note where it occurred. Before submitting, users must check a checkbox that states that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say involved dozens of federal agents, took place in a popular district of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded widely – typically to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid show multiple masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a person, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of locals trailed the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was noticed traveling down the city streets.

Leadership Statements

During a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman remarked. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to utilize the troops to stop unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC community groups expressed outrage as well.

"ICE descended on the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and protective equipment to target street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," said the head of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has stated it does not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in New York and around the country this year.

An October operation in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous as are allegations of violence and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission filed by civil rights groups stated inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.