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The state AG has rolled out a fresh online portal urging residents to provide photos and videos of immigration raids across New York. This step comes just a day after a major immigration operation rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering mass outcry.

American Citizens Arrested In Raid

A congressional representative revealed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and detained for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in the city on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a release.

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

Portal Features

The portal provides spaces to send photos and videos of the incident, as well as a field to note geographic details. Prior to sending, users must check a option that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved over fifty government officers, occurred in a famous district of the city where imitation purses, items, goods and merchandise are regularly available en masse – frequently to tourists.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid depict numerous hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a person, and shoving away witnesses. Crowds of locals trailed the personnel through the streets. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for without cause." He clarified the citizens were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," the congressman remarked. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is purely a justification to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the military to stop unrest that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Outrage over the ICE raid escalated – each of the NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the federal government opts for authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, not safety. It needs to cease," a political candidate stated.

New York City community groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, covered personnel and protective equipment to target street vendors attempting to earn income. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and areas," stated the leader of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the organization has claimed it does not arrest or detain American nationals. However, investigative journalism has revealed that more than 170 citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

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

A mid-October raid in midtown Manhattan was the first known raid on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies against federal operations are commonplace including claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a submission provided by advocacy organizations alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in government custody.