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New York state AG has introduced a recent online portal encouraging residents to provide photos and videos of ICE operations around the state. This move follows a day after a significant ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker disclosed during a news conference that four American citizens were detained and held for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented federal operations during the raid, I ask you to provide that material with us. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal offers fields to upload photos and videos of the incident, along with a section to specify location information. Before submitting, individuals must check a checkbox that acknowledges that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved dozens of ICE personnel, occurred in a popular area of Manhattan where counterfeit products and other goods are regularly available widely – typically to tourists.

Videos of Tuesday's raid show multiple masked and armed federal agents restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of locals pursued the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed rolling through the urban roads.

Official Reactions

At a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He said the persons were released on the following day with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to incite tension. It is simply a excuse to incite violence for the government to deploy the military to stop unrest that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every political contenders denounced the raid, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses oppressive displays that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage also.

"ICE raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to target small merchants attempting to earn income. This raid had no connection to public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the bureau has claimed it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, external research has found that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and across the US recently.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Protests targeting federal operations are ubiquitous along with accusations of aggression and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission provided by legal entities alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in government custody.