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New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent online portal asking locals to provide images and footage of immigration raids across the state. This step follows a day after a major enforcement action shook Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting mass outcry.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations occurred in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a release.

"Anyone who observed and documented immigration enforcement recently, I encourage you to share that footage with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal provides options to upload photos and videos of the operation, plus a area to specify location information. Before submitting, individuals must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a famous area of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are regularly available widely – typically to visitors.

Videos of the operation reveal numerous hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of locals followed the officers along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four American citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he stated. "This represents a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a justification to incite violence for the government to bring in the troops to halt conflict that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – all three political contenders condemned the operation, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the Trump administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate wrote.

The city's community groups voiced concern too.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on small merchants working to survive. This raid had no connection to community security and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," said the president of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it will not arrest or detain US citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country lately.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies against federal operations are ubiquitous as are claims of aggression and abusive practices.

Latest, a document submitted by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.