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The state attorney general has launched a new online portal urging citizens to submit photos and videos of immigration raids across the state. This action follows a day after a major ICE raid shook Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" after the enforcement action. Protests occurred in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general declared in a announcement.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to share that evidence with my office. We are dedicated to assessing these reports and determining any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform provides options to upload visual evidence of the raid, as well as a field to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a checkbox that confirms that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say involved more than 50 federal agents, occurred in a popular neighborhood of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily widely – often to tourists.

Footage of the incident show several masked and armed officers restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of New Yorkers trailed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was observed rolling through the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He noted the persons were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he stated. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to incite violence for this administration to bring in the armed forces to stop conflict that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the federal action escalated – all three political contenders condemned the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the federal government chooses authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, instead of protection. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups voiced concern also.

"Federal officers targeted Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors working to survive. This action had no connection to community security and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it does not take into custody citizens. However, independent reporting has revealed that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE during the period of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in the state and nationwide this year.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the current administration. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are commonplace including accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a document provided by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in government custody.