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The state AG has rolled out a fresh online portal urging citizens to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This move comes just a day after a major enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread protests.

American Citizens Arrested During Raid

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded ICE activity during the raid, I ask you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to examining these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The form provides spaces to upload images and video footage of the incident, along with a area to indicate location information. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a checkbox that confirms that "authorities could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a court case or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured more than 50 federal agents, took place in a popular district of NYC where fake products and other goods are sold daily en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Footage of the incident depict multiple hooded and equipped federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of locals trailed the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

At a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for without cause." He noted the persons were let go on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the military to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government chooses oppressive displays that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," a contender declared.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out as well.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, covered personnel and riot gear to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," stated the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has said it will not take into custody US citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country this year.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Protests opposing ICE are widespread as are allegations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter submitted by legal entities claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.