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The state AG has introduced a recent online portal urging locals to share images and footage of immigration raids throughout the state. This step follows a day after a major ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking widespread protests.

US Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents has the right to live without fear," state officials wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to share that evidence with my office. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form includes fields to upload photos and videos of the raid, as well as a field to specify where it occurred. Before submitting, individuals must check a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a court case or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a famous neighborhood of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict multiple covered and weaponized officers zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of locals trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the city streets.

Political Response

During a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He said the persons were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a justification to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the military to halt conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation quickly spread – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that create fear, rather than security. It has to end," a political candidate stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"Federal officers targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, covered personnel and protective equipment to target local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it refrains from take into custody US citizens. However, independent reporting has revealed that numerous citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

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

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous as are claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.