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New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent online portal asking citizens to share images and footage of ICE operations throughout New York. This step follows a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies occurred in New York on consecutive evenings.

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

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity during the raid, I urge you to submit that material with the authorities. We are committed to examining these reports and determining any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The form offers options to submit visual evidence of the operation, plus a section to indicate location information. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a box that acknowledges that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which observers say included more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a famous neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit products and additional items are sold daily in large quantities – frequently to sightseers.

Footage of the operation depict several masked and armed federal agents zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Masses of locals trailed the agents through the streets. An armored truck was noticed moving along the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He said the citizens were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman remarked. "This constitutes a military-style operation to create conflict. It is purely a justification to incite violence for this administration to utilize the troops to stop unrest that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the immigration operation escalated – each of the political contenders condemned the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate stated.

The city's immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This action had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with intimidating residents and communities," stated the head of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the organization has said it refrains from apprehend citizens. However, investigative journalism has found that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Recent Pattern

ICE raids have been becoming more common in the state and across the US recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting ICE are ubiquitous as are claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a document submitted by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of women with child in government custody.