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New York state attorney general has introduced a recent online portal asking residents to share photos and videos of ICE operations across New York. This step follows a shortly after a significant ICE raid shook NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread protests.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen is entitled to reside free from terror," the attorney general declared in a release.

"Anyone who observed and documented federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to submit that footage with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The form provides options to submit photos and videos of the incident, as well as a area to note location information. When submitting, individuals must tick a box that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included more than 50 federal agents, occurred in a popular area of Manhattan where fake products and other goods are sold daily widely – often to visitors.

Footage of the incident show several hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He noted the citizens were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he remarked. "This is a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the troops to halt unrest that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – each of the political contenders criticized the raid, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This operation had no connection to public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has said it will not apprehend US citizens. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including allegations of force and cruel conditions.

Recently, a submission filed by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.