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The state attorney general has introduced a fresh online portal urging residents to share photos and videos of ICE operations throughout the state. This step comes just a shortly after a high-profile enforcement action disrupted NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Protests broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG stated in a release.

"For those who saw and documented ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to provide that footage with us. We are committed to assessing these submissions and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form includes options to upload photos and videos of the operation, along with a section to note where it occurred. Prior to sending, users must mark a box that acknowledges that "the office could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say featured more than 50 government officers, occurred in a popular neighborhood of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded en masse – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of the incident depict several hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a person, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of locals followed the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, said that four US citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the persons were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman said. "This is a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the military to stop conflict that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the ICE raid quickly spread – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a political candidate stated.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had no connection to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it will not apprehend citizens. Yet, external research has discovered that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in NY and nationwide recently.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests against federal operations are widespread as are claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a document submitted by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.