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The state attorney general has rolled out a fresh online portal asking locals to share visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This move comes just a day after a significant immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, prompting widespread outcry.

US Citizens Held During Raid

A US congressman revealed during a news conference that four US citizens were detained and held for "about 24 hours" following Tuesday's raid. Rallies occurred in New York on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the AG declared in a announcement.

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations recently, I ask you to share that footage with my office. We are committed to examining these accounts and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The form provides spaces to upload visual evidence of the operation, as well as a area to note location information. When submitting, individuals must check a option that acknowledges that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a legal proceeding or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, occurred in a well-known district of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available en masse – typically to tourists.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid reveal several covered and weaponized personnel securing and holding a person, and forcing aside bystanders. Masses of locals pursued the personnel along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four nationals were taken by federal agents for almost a full day and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be detained for unjustly." He noted the citizens were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he stated. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a justification to provoke conflict for the government to bring in the armed forces to stop unrest that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Outrage over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls condemned the operation, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," a political candidate declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage also.

"ICE descended on the neighborhood with tactical trucks, masked agents and tactical gear to go after local sellers working to survive. This action had no connection to public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and communities," remarked the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has said it will not take into custody US citizens. Nevertheless, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been rising in frequency in the state and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in the city center was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the present government. Protests opposing ICE are commonplace along with claims of violence and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission provided by advocacy organizations claimed inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.