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New York state attorney general has rolled out a recent online portal asking citizens to share photos and videos of immigration raids around the state. This action comes just a shortly after a major enforcement action shook Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering large-scale demonstrations.

American Citizens Arrested During Enforcement Action

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests broke out in the city on consecutive evenings.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," state officials declared in a announcement.

"If you witnessed and captured ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to submit that material with my office. We are pledged to examining these reports and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The portal offers options to upload images and video footage of the operation, along with a section to specify geographic details. When submitting, individuals must tick a checkbox that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say featured more than 50 government officers, occurred in a popular neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available widely – typically to tourists.

Footage of the incident reveal multiple covered and weaponized personnel securing and holding a person, and forcing aside onlookers. Masses of locals trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

During a midweek briefing held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This is a military-style operation to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for this administration to bring in the troops to halt unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action escalated – every political contenders condemned the operation, including NY's governor.

"Once again, the current administration chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, not safety. It has to end," a political candidate wrote.

The city's immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Immigration agents targeted the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on street vendors working to survive. This raid had no relation to community security and was entirely about frightening communities and areas," stated the leader of a advocacy group.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines forbids the holding of citizens and the agency has stated it does not take into custody American nationals. Yet, external research has discovered that numerous citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in New York and nationwide lately.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an refuge facility of the present government. Rallies opposing ICE are commonplace including accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a document filed by civil rights groups stated inadequate care of women with child in government custody.