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New York state attorney general has launched a new online portal urging citizens to provide photos and videos of ICE operations throughout New York. This step comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering widespread outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to live without fear," the AG wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity during the raid, I ask you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to reviewing these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The portal includes spaces to submit images and video footage of the incident, along with a section to indicate location information. Prior to sending, submitters must mark a checkbox that confirms that "the office might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which witnesses say involved more than 50 federal agents, took place in a famous district of Manhattan where imitation purses, items, goods and other goods are regularly available en masse – typically to tourists.

Recordings of the incident reveal multiple masked and armed personnel securing and holding a individual, and forcing aside onlookers. Masses of residents trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was observed rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

In a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be arrested for unjustly." He clarified the citizens were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman stated. "This represents a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a justification to incite violence for this administration to utilize the troops to prevent conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – all three political contenders criticized the operation, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses oppressive displays that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate declared.

New York City advocacy organizations spoke out too.

"ICE descended on Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had no relation to citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and areas," said the president of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

ICE policy prohibits the holding of citizens and the agency has claimed it does not arrest or detain American nationals. However, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the present government.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in NY and across the US lately.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations opposing immigration enforcement are widespread along with claims of aggression and abusive practices.

Latest, a document submitted by legal entities stated inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.