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The state attorney general has rolled out a new online portal asking citizens to provide images and footage of ICE operations across the state. This move comes just a day after a major ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass protests.

American Citizens Detained In ICE Operation

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies erupted in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Each citizen is entitled to exist without intimidation," state officials wrote in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement recently, I encourage you to share that footage with the authorities. We are committed to examining these accounts and investigating any legal breaches."

Submission Process

The platform provides fields to send visual evidence of the raid, as well as a area to note geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must check a checkbox that states that "the office could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a court case or government document."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which observers say included more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a well-known district of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – typically to tourists.

Videos of the incident reveal multiple covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a person, and shoving away bystanders. Throngs of New Yorkers pursued the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four American citizens were detained by ICE for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman remarked. "This represents a armed campaign to provoke unrest. It is purely a excuse to incite violence for the government to bring in the military to prevent unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the federal action escalated – each of the mayoral candidates condemned the operation, along with NY's governor.

"Once again, the current administration selects authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," a contender stated.

The city's community groups expressed outrage also.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after street vendors working to survive. This action had no relation to public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines bans the holding of citizens and the organization has said it refrains from apprehend US citizens. Yet, external research has found that over 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by federal agents since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in the state and across the US lately.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Rallies opposing ICE are ubiquitous as are claims of aggression and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a letter filed by advocacy organizations alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in detention centers.