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New York state AG has rolled out a fresh online portal urging residents to submit images and footage of ICE operations throughout the state. This move comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass outcry.

American Citizens Detained In Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and detained for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen deserves to exist without intimidation," state officials declared in a release.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to examining these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform offers fields to submit images and video footage of the raid, plus a section to indicate where it occurred. Before submitting, users must check a checkbox that confirms that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say included more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a famous area of Manhattan where counterfeit products and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – often to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid reveal several masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of locals trailed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be detained for without cause." He said the persons were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to deploy the military to stop conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

The city's community groups spoke out also.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to citizen protection and focused completely on intimidating residents and communities," stated the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it does not arrest or detain US citizens. However, external research has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

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

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Demonstrations opposing ICE are commonplace as are accusations of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.