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New York state attorney general has introduced a new online portal asking residents to provide photos and videos of immigration raids throughout the state. This move follows a shortly after a major enforcement action rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests occurred in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to share that footage with us. We are pledged to examining these submissions and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form offers options to upload photos and videos of the incident, as well as a field to note geographic details. Prior to sending, users must tick a checkbox that confirms that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known neighborhood of the city where imitation purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily en masse – often to tourists.

Footage of the operation depict numerous hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of residents trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference held with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four nationals were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for without cause." He said the individuals were freed on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This is a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is purely a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to utilize the military to halt violence that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the ICE raid quickly spread – every mayoral candidates condemned the raid, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a contender declared.

New York City community groups voiced concern as well.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to target street vendors working to survive. This action had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," remarked the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it refrains from apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that more than 170 US citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations opposing ICE are widespread including allegations of force and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission submitted by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.