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The state attorney general has rolled out a fresh online portal encouraging residents to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This action comes just a shortly after a major immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread protests.

American Citizens Arrested In Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and detained for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Protests erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented ICE activity during the raid, I ask you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these submissions and investigating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal offers fields to submit images and video footage of the operation, along with a field to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must mark a checkbox that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say included more than 50 federal agents, happened in a famous neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit products and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – often to visitors.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict numerous masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside witnesses. Crowds of locals pursued the agents along the roads. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the urban roads.

Political Response

During a news conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be taken for unjustly." He said the citizens were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the armed forces to halt conflict that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – every political contenders criticized the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC advocacy organizations expressed outrage too.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to go after local sellers working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," said the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the bureau has said it does not take into custody citizens. Yet, external research has found that numerous citizens have been held against their will by ICE during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are widespread including claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission provided by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.