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New York state AG has introduced a new online portal encouraging locals to provide photos and videos of immigration raids across New York. This step comes just a shortly after a major enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass protests.

US Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and detained for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and recorded ICE activity recently, I encourage you to share that material with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform includes options to submit images and video footage of the raid, plus a area to specify location information. Prior to sending, users must mark a option that states that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which observers say included over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known district of Manhattan where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily in large quantities – typically to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal multiple hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a man, and shoving away bystanders. Throngs of residents pursued the agents along the roads. An military-style transport was observed moving along the urban roads.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He said the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the military to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the incident, including NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

New York City advocacy organizations expressed outrage as well.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," stated the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it does not take into custody US citizens. However, external research has discovered that numerous citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in NY and nationwide lately.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Demonstrations opposing federal operations are commonplace as are allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a document submitted by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.