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The state attorney general has rolled out a recent online portal urging residents to share images and footage of immigration raids throughout the state. This move comes just a shortly after a significant ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass outcry.

US Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A lawmaker announced during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were detained and detained for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

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

"For those who saw and captured federal operations recently, I urge you to provide that material with my office. We are committed to examining these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The portal provides fields to send images and video footage of the raid, along with a section to specify geographic details. When submitting, submitters must tick a box that confirms that "the office may use any materials, images, or footage in a official report, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved dozens of federal agents, took place in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily widely – typically to tourists.

Recordings of the operation reveal numerous masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a man, and pushing back bystanders. Crowds of New Yorkers pursued the officers along the roads. An armored military vehicle was observed rolling through the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference held with the rights organization, the congressman, a Democratic representative, announced that four American citizens were detained by ICE for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He said the individuals were released on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman said. "This represents a military-style operation to incite tension. It is purely a justification to incite violence for this administration to bring in the troops to stop unrest that they initiated."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the immigration operation rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates criticized the raid, as did NY's governor.

"Yet again, the Trump administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a political candidate declared.

The city's immigrant rights groups voiced concern also.

"ICE raided Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to target street vendors trying to make a living. This raid had nothing to do with public safety and was entirely about frightening communities and neighborhoods," remarked the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Agency rules prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has stated it refrains from take into custody citizens. However, external research has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and around the country this year.

An October operation in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests targeting federal operations are commonplace including claims of force and cruel conditions.

Latest, a letter filed by advocacy organizations claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in detention centers.