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The state AG has launched a recent online portal asking citizens to submit visual evidence of ICE operations throughout New York. This move follows a day after a major immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies broke out in the city on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"All New York residents deserves to live without fear," the AG stated in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to share that material with my office. We are committed to assessing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Portal Features

The portal includes options to submit photos and videos of the raid, as well as a field to note geographic details. Before submitting, users must check a checkbox that confirms that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say included dozens of government officers, happened in a famous neighborhood of Manhattan where fake products and additional items are commonly traded in large quantities – typically to sightseers.

Recordings of the operation reveal numerous covered and weaponized officers securing and holding a individual, and forcing aside bystanders. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen rolling through the city streets.

Political Response

In a midweek briefing organized with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He said the citizens were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is purely a pretext to provoke conflict for federal officials to utilize the armed forces to halt unrest that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action escalated – every mayoral candidates criticized the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

The city's advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"ICE targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to target local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and communities," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the agency has stated it does not take into custody American nationals. However, investigative journalism has found that more than 170 US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in NY and across the US this year.

An October operation in central NYC was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Rallies against ICE are commonplace along with accusations of force and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission provided by civil rights groups claimed inadequate care of pregnant women in ICE facilities.