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The state attorney general has introduced a recent online portal urging locals to submit photos and videos of immigration raids around New York. This action comes just a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread protests.

American Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and kept for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials declared in a statement.

"For those who saw and captured federal operations recently, I urge you to submit that evidence with us. We are pledged to reviewing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form offers options to send visual evidence of the raid, along with a area to indicate geographic details. Prior to sending, submitters must check a box that confirms that "authorities might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say involved more than 50 federal agents, happened in a famous district of Manhattan where fake products and merchandise are regularly available en masse – often to visitors.

Videos of the operation show multiple hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of locals followed the personnel along the roads. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

At a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for without cause." He noted the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to incite tension. It is simply a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to utilize the troops to halt conflict that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the raid, along with the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and tactical gear to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the holding of citizens and the bureau has said it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, independent reporting has discovered that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in New York and around the country this year.

An October operation in the city center was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are widespread along with claims of violence and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter provided by legal entities alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in detention centers.