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New York state AG has introduced a new online portal urging residents to share visual evidence of immigration raids around the state. This step follows a day after a major immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a news conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Rallies broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general declared in a release.

"For those who saw and documented federal operations yesterday, I urge you to submit that evidence with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal provides spaces to submit visual evidence of the incident, plus a field to note geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must check a option that states that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured dozens of government officers, happened in a well-known area of the city where fake purses, items, goods and other goods are sold daily in large quantities – frequently to sightseers.

Footage of the operation show multiple hooded and equipped federal agents securing and holding a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of locals followed the officers through the streets. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democrat, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be taken for no reason." He clarified the individuals were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he remarked. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is purely a excuse to generate turmoil for the government to utilize the armed forces to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, including NY's governor.

"Yet again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It needs to cease," one mayoral candidate stated.

The city's community groups voiced concern also.

"Federal officers targeted the neighborhood with tactical trucks, masked agents and riot gear to target small merchants working to survive. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," said the president of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it does not take into custody citizens. However, independent reporting has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in the state and around the country this year.

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are ubiquitous as are claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of women with child in government custody.