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The state AG has rolled out a new online portal encouraging locals to provide images and footage of ICE operations around New York. This action follows a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering mass protests.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A lawmaker revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were detained and held for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to share that footage with us. We are pledged to examining these reports and investigating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form offers spaces to upload photos and videos of the operation, as well as a section to specify location information. Before submitting, submitters must tick a option that states that "the office may use any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured over fifty government officers, occurred in a famous area of the city where imitation products and additional items are regularly available en masse – frequently to tourists.

Footage of the operation show multiple hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Throngs of locals followed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be taken for no reason." He noted the individuals were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman said. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the armed forces to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the incident, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

The city's community groups expressed outrage also.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to community security and focused completely on intimidating residents and communities," said the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines forbids the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has claimed it will not arrest or detain US citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and nationwide lately.

A recent action in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting ICE are commonplace along with accusations of force and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a document provided by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of women with child in government custody.