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The state AG has launched a recent online portal asking citizens to share visual evidence of immigration raids throughout New York. This action follows a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation rattled NYC's Chinatown, triggering large-scale protests.

American Citizens Held In ICE Operation

A congressional representative disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were taken into custody and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

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

"For those who saw and documented ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to submit that material with my office. We are pledged to examining these submissions and investigating any wrongdoings."

Portal Features

The portal includes fields to send images and video footage of the operation, plus a section to specify where it occurred. When submitting, users must mark a option that states that "the attorney general could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved dozens of ICE personnel, occurred in a popular area of Manhattan where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are regularly available en masse – often to tourists.

Footage of the incident depict numerous covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the agents along the roads. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be detained for no reason." He said the citizens were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman said. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to deploy the armed forces to halt conflict that they have created."

Broad Criticism

Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the political contenders criticized the operation, as did NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the federal government selects heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It must stop," one mayoral candidate stated.

New York City community groups voiced concern also.

"Federal officers raided Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with citizen protection and focused completely on frightening communities and neighborhoods," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has claimed it will not apprehend US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has found that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the beginning of the existing leadership.

Ongoing Trend

Immigration operations have been cropping up increasingly in New York and nationwide lately.

A recent action in the city center was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Protests targeting federal operations are ubiquitous as are claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a document provided by advocacy organizations stated inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.