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The state AG has rolled out a recent online portal asking residents to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This action comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread outcry.

American Citizens Detained During Raid

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," the AG wrote in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and captured immigration enforcement during the raid, I encourage you to provide that footage with my office. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and determining any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The platform provides spaces to send visual evidence of the incident, as well as a section to note geographic details. Prior to sending, users must check a checkbox that confirms that "authorities may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which observers say involved dozens of government officers, took place in a well-known district of Manhattan where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – often to visitors.

Footage of the operation reveal multiple hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away bystanders. Crowds of locals trailed the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a news conference featuring the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He noted the citizens were released on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for the government to deploy the military to stop conflict that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the immigration operation escalated – every political contenders condemned the incident, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," a contender stated.

The city's community groups voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after small merchants trying to make a living. This action had no relation to community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," remarked the president of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has said it does not apprehend American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in New York and across the US recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the current administration. Protests opposing ICE are widespread including claims of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a letter submitted by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of women with child in government custody.