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The state attorney general has launched a fresh online portal asking locals to share visual evidence of immigration raids across New York. This action comes just a day after a significant immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass protests.

US Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented ICE activity during the raid, I encourage you to submit that evidence with my office. We are committed to examining these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The portal includes spaces to submit visual evidence of the operation, along with a field to specify where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must check a option that states that "the attorney general may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say involved over fifty government officers, occurred in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit products and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – typically to tourists.

Videos of the incident reveal several covered and weaponized personnel securing and holding a individual, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of residents trailed the agents through the streets. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

In a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for no reason." He noted the citizens were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the armed forces to prevent violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – every political contenders criticized the raid, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," a contender declared.

New York City community groups expressed outrage as well.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to public safety and focused completely on intimidating residents and areas," said the leader of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it does not apprehend American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

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

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the current administration. Protests opposing ICE are ubiquitous as are claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document submitted by advocacy organizations stated inadequate care of pregnant women in ICE facilities.