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New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent online portal asking locals to submit visual evidence of immigration raids throughout the state. This action comes just a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass protests.

American Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and documented ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to share that evidence with us. We are committed to assessing these accounts and evaluating any legal breaches."

Portal Features

The portal provides fields to submit visual evidence of the raid, along with a section to specify geographic details. Before submitting, users must check a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a public document, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say featured dozens of federal agents, occurred in a popular district of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Videos of the operation show numerous covered and weaponized officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of New Yorkers followed the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democrat, announced that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He said the persons were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman said. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a justification to incite violence for the government to deploy the troops to halt violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – every mayoral candidates criticized the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

NYC community groups voiced concern as well.

"Immigration agents descended on the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has claimed it will not arrest or detain American nationals. However, external research has found that numerous American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents during the period of the current administration.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in NY and across the US this year.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace as are claims of force and abusive practices.

Most recently, a document submitted by legal entities stated inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.