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The state attorney general has rolled out a recent online portal urging locals to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This move comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread protests.

American Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four US citizens were detained and detained for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to submit that material with us. We are dedicated to examining these reports and evaluating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The platform provides fields to upload images and video footage of the operation, as well as a field to specify location information. Before submitting, individuals must tick a option that states that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved dozens of ICE personnel, took place in a famous district of Manhattan where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily en masse – often to visitors.

Videos of the operation show numerous masked and armed officers securing and holding a person, and pushing back bystanders. Throngs of residents trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the urban roads.

Political Response

At a news conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He said the persons were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the troops to halt unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the raid, including Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the federal government chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender stated.

NYC advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, masked agents and riot gear to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and areas," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it will not take into custody American nationals. However, external research has discovered that numerous citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE during the period of the present government.

Recent Pattern

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

A recent action in the city center was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the current administration. Rallies targeting federal operations are ubiquitous including claims of force and cruel conditions.

Recently, a letter provided by civil rights groups alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.