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The state AG has launched a fresh online portal encouraging locals to share visual evidence of ICE operations throughout New York. This move comes just a day after a major immigration operation rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a statement.

"For those who saw and recorded ICE activity during the raid, I ask you to share that evidence with my office. We are dedicated to examining these reports and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal includes options to upload photos and videos of the operation, along with a area to note location information. When submitting, users must mark a option that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, including in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say included more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a well-known neighborhood of the city where imitation products and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – typically to tourists.

Recordings of the incident reveal multiple hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside witnesses. Masses of locals followed the officers along the roads. An armored truck was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four American citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for no reason." He clarified the persons were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the military to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the immigration operation escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"Federal officers targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it will not take into custody US citizens. Yet, external research has revealed that more than 170 US citizens have been held against their will by ICE during the period of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in the state and around the country recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests against ICE are commonplace along with allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission submitted by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in ICE facilities.