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New York state AG has launched a new online portal asking residents to submit visual evidence of ICE operations around New York. This step comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting widespread protests.

American Citizens Detained In Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general stated in a release.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I encourage you to submit that footage with us. We are committed to assessing these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform offers spaces to upload visual evidence of the raid, along with a area to specify location information. Before submitting, individuals must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office may use any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say featured over fifty federal agents, occurred in a famous district of the city where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – often to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal several covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away bystanders. Throngs of New Yorkers followed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

In a news conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were released on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is merely a justification to incite violence for this administration to bring in the troops to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – every mayoral candidates condemned the operation, as did the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," a contender stated.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern as well.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," stated the president of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it does not arrest or detain US citizens. However, independent reporting has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

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

An October operation in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies against federal operations are commonplace along with claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups claimed inadequate care of pregnant women in detention centers.