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The state attorney general has launched a new online portal encouraging locals to share visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement across the state. This move comes just a day after a major enforcement action shook NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass protests.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a statement.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations recently, I encourage you to share that footage with us. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and evaluating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The form provides spaces to submit photos and videos of the raid, along with a section to note geographic details. Prior to sending, users must check a option that states that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a court case or government document."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say involved over fifty federal agents, took place in a well-known area of NYC where fake purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily en masse – often to sightseers.

Footage of the operation depict multiple masked and armed officers securing and holding a man, and pushing back bystanders. Throngs of locals trailed the agents through the streets. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

In a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be arrested for without cause." He said the persons were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he remarked. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for the government to bring in the troops to halt violence that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the ICE raid quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

The city's community groups expressed outrage as well.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This action had no relation to community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," remarked the head of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it refrains from take into custody citizens. Nevertheless, independent reporting has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents 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 central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the current administration. Protests opposing federal operations are ubiquitous as are allegations of violence and abusive practices.

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