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The state attorney general has launched a fresh online portal asking residents to submit photos and videos of immigration raids around the state. This action comes just a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

US Citizens Held During ICE Operation

A US congressman announced during a news conference that four US citizens were arrested and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials declared in a release.

"For those who saw and captured ICE activity recently, I encourage you to submit that evidence with my office. We are dedicated to examining these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Form Details

The portal includes spaces to send images and video footage of the operation, plus a field to specify geographic details. Prior to sending, users must mark a box that states that "the attorney general could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or government document."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured dozens of government officers, took place in a well-known neighborhood of the city where fake products and additional items are sold daily en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show numerous covered and weaponized personnel securing and holding a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of residents trailed the agents along the roads. An armored truck was also seen moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

In a Wednesday press conference held with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He said the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman remarked. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the troops to stop unrest that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the federal action escalated – all three political contenders criticized the operation, including the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC community groups voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," remarked the leader of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Agency rules forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it will not arrest or detain US citizens. However, external research has found that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by ICE during the period of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in New York and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the current administration. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace along with claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Recently, a letter submitted by civil rights groups stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.