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New York state attorney general has introduced a fresh online portal encouraging citizens to share visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This move comes just a day after a high-profile enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering widespread outcry.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and kept for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents deserves to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a release.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement yesterday, I urge you to submit that footage with the authorities. We are dedicated to examining these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The portal provides options to submit images and video footage of the incident, as well as a field to note geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a box that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included dozens of ICE personnel, occurred in a famous area of NYC where counterfeit products and other goods are regularly available widely – typically to sightseers.

Videos of the incident depict several masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of locals pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he remarked. "This constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to generate turmoil for this administration to deploy the military to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the immigration operation escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government opts for oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and communities," remarked the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it will not apprehend US citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by federal agents since the beginning of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

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

An October operation in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against ICE are commonplace including allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter filed by legal entities alleged medical neglect of pregnant women in government custody.