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The state attorney general has launched a new online portal asking residents to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement around the state. This action follows a day after a high-profile immigration operation shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking widespread protests.

US Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were taken into custody and kept for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker deserves to exist without intimidation," the AG wrote in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded federal operations recently, I urge you to submit that footage with us. We are pledged to reviewing these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The platform offers fields to upload visual evidence of the incident, along with a area to specify where it occurred. Prior to sending, individuals must check a option that states that "the attorney general could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, including in a court case or official statement."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say included dozens of government officers, took place in a well-known area of Manhattan where imitation handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are sold daily en masse – often to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict several covered and weaponized personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a Wednesday press conference featuring the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, said that four American citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He said the persons were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman remarked. "This constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a justification to incite violence for the government to utilize the armed forces to prevent conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – every political contenders denounced the raid, as did the state leader.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration selects heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It must stop," a political candidate wrote.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"Immigration agents raided the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and tactical gear to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had no connection to citizen protection and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities," stated the president of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines bans the detention of US citizens and the organization has claimed it will not apprehend citizens. However, external research has discovered that more than 170 citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been becoming more common in the state and around the country recently.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the current administration. Demonstrations opposing immigration enforcement are commonplace as are accusations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

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