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New York state attorney general has launched a new online portal encouraging citizens to submit visual evidence of immigration raids around the state. This step comes just a shortly after a major enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A lawmaker revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen deserves to live without fear," the attorney general stated in a release.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I ask you to provide that material with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The platform offers spaces to submit images and video footage of the raid, as well as a area to note location information. When submitting, individuals must check a box that states that "the office might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say featured over fifty ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known neighborhood of the city where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – frequently to visitors.

Footage of the incident depict numerous covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a person, and shoving away bystanders. Masses of New Yorkers followed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the individuals were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for the government to utilize the armed forces to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid quickly spread – every mayoral candidates criticized the operation, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, not safety. It needs to cease," a contender wrote.

The city's community groups spoke out too.

"Federal officers targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, covered personnel and riot gear to go after small merchants working to survive. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the organization has claimed it refrains from apprehend American nationals. Yet, external research has revealed that more than 170 US citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US recently.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies against ICE are ubiquitous along with allegations of force and cruel conditions.

Recently, a letter filed by civil rights groups claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.