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New York state AG has introduced a new online portal urging citizens to provide photos and videos of ICE operations around the state. This step follows a day after a high-profile enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and detained for "almost a full day" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen deserves to reside free from terror," state officials declared in a release.

"Anyone who observed and captured immigration enforcement recently, I encourage you to share that footage with us. We are committed to assessing these reports and determining any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The portal provides options to send visual evidence of the incident, plus a section to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, users must check a option that states that "authorities could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved over fifty ICE personnel, took place in a popular district of the city where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are commonly traded widely – typically to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid show several hooded and equipped personnel restraining and arresting a person, and shoving away witnesses. Masses of locals trailed the officers through the streets. An armored truck was observed moving along the city streets.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be taken for unjustly." He said the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," he said. "This represents a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for this administration to deploy the armed forces to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the federal action escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, including the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government selects oppressive displays that instill panic, rather than security. It needs to cease," a contender stated.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"Federal officers raided Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, masked agents and protective equipment to go after small merchants working to survive. This raid had no relation to community security and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," remarked the president of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules forbids the arrest of American nationals and the agency has said it will not take into custody American nationals. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in the state and across the US recently.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Rallies opposing immigration enforcement are widespread as are allegations of aggression and abusive practices.

Most recently, a letter provided by civil rights groups stated medical neglect of pregnant women in detention centers.