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The state attorney general has introduced a fresh online portal asking citizens to submit images and footage of immigration raids across New York. This move comes just a shortly after a major enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, triggering large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were detained and held for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker deserves to reside free from terror," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement recently, I encourage you to provide that footage with us. We are committed to assessing these submissions and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The platform provides fields to upload visual evidence of the incident, as well as a field to note geographic details. When submitting, individuals must check a checkbox that states that "authorities may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved more than 50 federal agents, occurred in a well-known district of Manhattan where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are regularly available widely – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident depict multiple hooded and equipped personnel securing and holding a person, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated 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 no reason." He said the persons were let go on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he remarked. "This represents a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for the government to bring in the troops to stop unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"ICE raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and tactical gear to target street vendors attempting to earn income. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it does not arrest or detain citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and across the US recently.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting ICE are commonplace as are allegations of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a document provided by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of expectant mothers in detention centers.