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The state AG has rolled out a new online portal asking locals to submit images and footage of ICE operations across the state. This step comes just a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering mass protests.

American Citizens Held During ICE Operation

A lawmaker revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

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

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to provide that evidence with my office. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The form provides options to send photos and videos of the operation, plus a area to note where it occurred. Before submitting, individuals must check a option that confirms that "the office could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a court case or government document."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved over fifty ICE personnel, happened in a well-known neighborhood of the city where counterfeit purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily widely – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid show several covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of locals trailed the personnel through the streets. An armored military vehicle was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for without cause." He clarified the persons were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the armed forces to prevent conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the federal action quickly spread – every mayoral candidates denounced the incident, along with NY's governor.

"Yet again, the federal government opts for heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, rather than security. It has to end," a contender stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"ICE descended on Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to go after street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," stated the president of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and around the country lately.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests opposing ICE are widespread including claims of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission filed by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.