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New York state AG has rolled out a new online portal asking residents to share images and footage of immigration raids across New York. This action comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering mass outcry.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general stated in a release.

"Anyone who observed and recorded federal operations during the raid, I urge you to share that evidence with us. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and determining any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal provides options to send visual evidence of the operation, as well as a field to specify geographic details. Before submitting, individuals must mark a option that states that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say featured more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known area of the city where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded en masse – frequently to tourists.

Videos of the operation reveal several masked and armed personnel zip-tying and detaining a person, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of locals pursued the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was also seen moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for without cause." He clarified the citizens were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This represents a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the military to halt unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the incident, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a contender wrote.

The city's immigrant rights groups spoke out as well.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had nothing to do with community security and focused completely on frightening communities and neighborhoods," said the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the arrest of American nationals and the organization has stated it does not take into custody US citizens. However, external research has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by ICE during the period of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests opposing federal operations are ubiquitous including claims of force and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups alleged inadequate care of women with child in ICE facilities.