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New York state AG has launched a fresh online portal urging citizens to share images and footage of ICE operations across the state. This move follows a day after a high-profile enforcement action shook Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking mass protests.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were arrested and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents deserves to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations recently, I ask you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are pledged to reviewing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal includes fields to send images and video footage of the incident, as well as a field to indicate where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a option that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say included dozens of federal agents, occurred in a well-known district of the city where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict numerous hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers pursued the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed moving along the city streets.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the individuals were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman said. "This represents a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to generate turmoil for this administration to bring in the military to stop unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – each of the political contenders condemned the operation, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that generate terror, rather than security. It must stop," a political candidate stated.

The city's immigrant rights groups voiced concern too.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, covered personnel and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This operation had no connection to community security and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," stated the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the bureau has claimed it does not apprehend citizens. Nevertheless, external research has found that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been becoming more common in the state and around the country this year.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies targeting federal operations are ubiquitous including claims of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission submitted by legal entities alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.