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New York state AG has introduced a recent online portal urging residents to share photos and videos of ICE operations throughout New York. This step comes just a day after a high-profile enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread outcry.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were taken into custody and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to reside free from terror," the AG stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to share that evidence with my office. We are pledged to examining these accounts and evaluating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal provides spaces to send images and video footage of the incident, as well as a area to note where it occurred. When submitting, users must tick a box that confirms that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say involved dozens of government officers, took place in a popular neighborhood of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid reveal numerous masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and pushing back onlookers. Masses of residents pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He noted the persons were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to utilize the military to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – all three mayoral candidates criticized the raid, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

The city's community groups expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and riot gear to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had no relation to public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," stated the president of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it will not arrest or detain citizens. However, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE during the period of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the current administration. Rallies opposing ICE are commonplace as are accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

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