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The state AG has rolled out a fresh online portal encouraging citizens to share visual evidence of ICE operations throughout New York. This action comes just a shortly after a significant immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread protests.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I ask you to share that material with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and determining any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The portal offers fields to upload photos and videos of the raid, plus a field to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, users must tick a checkbox that states that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which observers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a popular neighborhood of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – frequently to sightseers.

Footage of the operation show multiple covered and weaponized federal agents securing and holding a person, and forcing aside bystanders. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four American citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be taken for without cause." He said the citizens were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to utilize the troops to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action escalated – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the raid, including NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It must stop," a contender declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"ICE raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to target street vendors working to survive. This operation had no connection to community security and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the leader of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it will not take into custody American nationals. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in New York and around the country this year.

A recent action in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace including accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission submitted by civil rights groups claimed inadequate care of women with child in government custody.