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The state attorney general has introduced a recent online portal encouraging citizens to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This action comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a news conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," state officials stated in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and captured federal operations recently, I encourage you to provide that material with my office. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Form Details

The form provides spaces to submit photos and videos of the raid, along with a area to note location information. Before submitting, users must tick a checkbox that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say featured over fifty ICE personnel, took place in a famous area of NYC where counterfeit products and additional items are sold daily widely – frequently to tourists.

Videos of the operation reveal several masked and armed officers securing and holding a man, and shoving away onlookers. Masses of New Yorkers trailed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

At a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where US citizens should be arrested for without cause." He noted the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to provoke conflict for the government to utilize the troops to halt conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation quickly spread – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Once again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This operation had no connection to public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it refrains from apprehend US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has revealed that numerous American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in New York and across the US recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the current administration. Protests targeting ICE are commonplace including accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission submitted by legal entities claimed inadequate care of women with child in ICE facilities.