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New York state AG has introduced a new online portal asking locals to provide photos and videos of ICE operations throughout the state. This move comes just a shortly after a significant immigration operation disrupted NYC's Chinatown, prompting large-scale protests.

American Citizens Detained During Raid

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and captured ICE activity recently, I encourage you to submit that evidence with my office. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The platform offers options to upload images and video footage of the incident, plus a section to note location information. Prior to sending, individuals must check a box that states that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured dozens of federal agents, occurred in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where imitation products and additional items are regularly available en masse – frequently to visitors.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict multiple covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a person, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers followed the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the urban roads.

Official Reactions

During a news conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He said the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the troops to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every political contenders condemned the operation, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for oppressive displays that create fear, not safety. It must stop," a contender stated.

NYC community groups spoke out also.

"ICE raided the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to target street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," stated the head of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines forbids the arrest of American nationals and the organization has said it does not arrest or detain citizens. Yet, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

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

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies against federal operations are ubiquitous including claims of force and abusive practices.

Latest, a document filed by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.