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New York state attorney general has introduced a new online portal encouraging locals to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This move follows a day after a significant immigration operation disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, prompting widespread outcry.

American Citizens Detained During ICE Operation

A lawmaker disclosed during a news conference that four citizens were arrested and kept for "about 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Protests broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"For those who saw and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to share that footage with us. We are pledged to examining these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The platform provides options to send images and video footage of the operation, as well as a field to indicate where it occurred. Before submitting, individuals must check a option that acknowledges that "the office might employ any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured more than 50 federal agents, occurred in a well-known district of NYC where fake products and other goods are commonly traded widely – frequently to tourists.

Videos of the operation depict multiple masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a individual, and forcing aside bystanders. Throngs of locals pursued the officers down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

At a news conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, the congressman, a lawmaker, stated that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be detained for without cause." He noted the citizens were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman stated. "This represents a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is simply a pretext to provoke conflict for the government to deploy the military to stop violence that they have created."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the ICE raid escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, as did NY's governor.

"Once again, the Trump administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, rather than security. It must stop," a contender stated.

The city's community groups spoke out also.

"ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This operation had no relation to public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," remarked the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Agency rules bans the holding of citizens and the agency has said it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide recently.

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against immigration enforcement are commonplace along with claims of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a letter provided by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of pregnant women in ICE facilities.