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The state AG has introduced a fresh online portal asking residents to share visual evidence of immigration raids across New York. This step comes just a shortly after a major ICE raid disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting widespread outcry.

US Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

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

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations during the raid, I encourage you to share that evidence with us. We are committed to examining these accounts and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The form offers options to upload photos and videos of the incident, as well as a section to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must check a box that acknowledges that "authorities might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which observers say included dozens of government officers, occurred in a famous area of NYC where imitation products and additional items are commonly traded en masse – frequently to visitors.

Footage of the operation reveal several masked and armed personnel securing and holding a person, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers pursued the agents along the roads. An armored truck was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He clarified the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for the government to deploy the military to prevent violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – all three political contenders criticized the incident, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

NYC advocacy organizations expressed outrage as well.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the head of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has stated it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

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

An October operation in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting federal operations are commonplace as are accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission provided by advocacy organizations stated medical neglect of women with child in ICE facilities.