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New York state attorney general has launched a fresh online portal encouraging residents to provide visual evidence of immigration raids throughout the state. This move follows a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A lawmaker revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Protests occurred in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG wrote in a statement.

"For those who saw and captured immigration enforcement recently, I ask you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are committed to assessing these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The platform includes fields to submit images and video footage of the incident, plus a area to specify where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must check a option that states that "the attorney general might employ any evidence provided in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say involved more than 50 federal agents, happened in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where imitation purses, items, goods and other goods are regularly available in large quantities – often to sightseers.

Recordings of the incident depict numerous masked and armed federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of residents followed the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed traveling down the city streets.

Leadership Statements

During a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He clarified the persons were freed on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is merely a excuse to incite violence for this administration to bring in the military to prevent conflict that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action quickly spread – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government chooses authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

New York City community groups expressed outrage also.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," said the leader of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has said it does not apprehend American nationals. However, external research has discovered that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in NY and around the country this year.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are ubiquitous along with allegations of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a document submitted by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in government custody.