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New York state AG has launched a new online portal asking residents to submit visual evidence of immigration raids around New York. This step comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid shook Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting large-scale outcry.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement yesterday, I encourage you to provide that evidence with us. We are committed to examining these reports and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form includes fields to send images and video footage of the raid, as well as a area to indicate location information. Before submitting, users must mark a box that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included over fifty government officers, took place in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where fake products and additional items are sold daily widely – often to tourists.

Recordings of the incident depict several hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a person, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored truck was observed rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

During a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He clarified the persons were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the military to stop violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government opts for authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern also.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on small merchants working to survive. This operation had no connection to public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has stated it does not take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, external research has revealed that numerous American nationals have been taken illegally by ICE during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US lately.

An October operation in the city center was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the existing leadership. Rallies against immigration enforcement are commonplace including allegations of force and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.