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The state attorney general has launched a new online portal asking citizens to share visual evidence of immigration raids throughout the state. This action comes just a day after a significant immigration operation shook NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested In ICE Operation

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Rallies broke out in New York on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and documented federal operations yesterday, I ask you to share that material with us. We are committed to reviewing these reports and determining any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The platform includes spaces to send images and video footage of the incident, along with a field to note geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must mark a checkbox that states that "authorities might employ any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or public report."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say featured over fifty federal agents, took place in a famous area of the city where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily en masse – often to sightseers.

Footage of Tuesday's raid reveal numerous hooded and equipped federal agents zip-tying and detaining a person, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of residents pursued the officers through the streets. An armored truck was observed moving along the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

During a midweek briefing organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for unjustly." He noted the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," the congressman stated. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to provoke conflict for this administration to deploy the armed forces to prevent violence that they themselves caused."

Broad Criticism

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

"Yet again, the federal government selects oppressive displays that create fear, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups expressed outrage as well.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with intimidating residents and areas," said the president of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines bans the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has claimed it does not take into custody citizens. However, independent reporting has found that numerous US citizens have been taken illegally by immigration authorities since the beginning of the current administration.

Current Situation

Enforcement actions have been becoming more common in New York and nationwide this year.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests targeting ICE are widespread as are claims of force and abusive practices.

Recently, a submission submitted by legal entities stated medical neglect of expectant mothers in government custody.