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New York state AG has rolled out a new online portal encouraging residents to provide images and footage of immigration raids around the state. This move comes just a shortly after a major immigration operation shook Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," the AG declared in a release.

"For those who saw and captured immigration enforcement during the raid, I encourage you to share that evidence with my office. We are committed to examining these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form provides fields to upload images and video footage of the operation, plus a section to note location information. Prior to sending, individuals must check a checkbox that states that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a court case or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured dozens of federal agents, took place in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are commonly traded en masse – often to sightseers.

Videos of the operation depict multiple covered and weaponized federal agents zip-tying and detaining a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers followed the officers along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be taken for without cause." He said the citizens were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the military to stop conflict that they have created."

Broad Criticism

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

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses oppressive displays that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"Immigration agents descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to target local sellers working to survive. This operation had no connection to public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it refrains from arrest or detain US citizens. However, independent reporting has found that over 170 American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been becoming more common in NY and nationwide this year.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Protests against federal operations are ubiquitous along with allegations of aggression and cruel conditions.

Latest, a document submitted by legal entities alleged medical neglect of women with child in detention centers.