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New York state AG has rolled out a fresh online portal encouraging locals to provide images and footage of ICE operations throughout the state. This step comes just a day after a major ICE raid shook NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested In Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were detained and held for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Protests erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," state officials declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and captured federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to submit that material with my office. We are committed to reviewing these accounts and determining any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The form provides options to submit images and video footage of the incident, plus a area to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a box that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved over fifty government officers, occurred in a popular district of the city where fake purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily en masse – frequently to tourists.

Videos of the incident reveal multiple hooded and equipped officers zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the city streets.

Official Reactions

In a midweek briefing featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the persons were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman remarked. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the troops to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the ICE raid quickly spread – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, as did NY's governor.

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

NYC community groups spoke out also.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has claimed it will not take into custody citizens. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the start of the present government.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in the state and nationwide lately.

An October operation in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests targeting federal operations are widespread including accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a letter filed by legal entities claimed medical neglect of expectant mothers in detention centers.