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The state attorney general has launched a recent online portal encouraging residents to submit photos and videos of ICE operations across New York. This action follows a day after a major enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread protests.

US Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and detained for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a release.

"For those who saw and captured immigration enforcement recently, I ask you to submit that material with the authorities. We are committed to examining these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The platform offers options to send photos and videos of the raid, along with a section to note location information. When submitting, users must tick a checkbox that states that "the attorney general may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a famous neighborhood of Manhattan where counterfeit products and other goods are sold daily widely – typically to tourists.

Videos of the operation depict multiple hooded and equipped personnel securing and holding a individual, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of New Yorkers pursued the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the urban roads.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference featuring the rights organization, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be taken for without cause." He said the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is purely a justification to incite violence for the government to bring in the armed forces to prevent conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the immigration operation quickly spread – each of the mayoral candidates condemned the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it does not arrest or detain citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has found that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide recently.

An October operation in the city center was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the present government. Protests against federal operations are widespread including accusations of force and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter filed by advocacy organizations stated inadequate care of pregnant women in government custody.