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New York state AG has introduced a recent online portal asking residents to provide photos and videos of ICE operations throughout the state. This action comes just a shortly after a significant immigration operation rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, sparking large-scale protests.

American Citizens Detained In Raid

A US congressman revealed during a midweek briefing that four American citizens were detained and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker deserves to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a statement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement recently, I encourage you to submit that footage with my office. We are pledged to examining these accounts and determining any violations of law."

Portal Features

The form provides options to upload images and video footage of the operation, plus a field to note location information. Before submitting, individuals must check a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a lawsuit or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which onlookers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, happened in a well-known area of the city where imitation purses, items, goods and additional items are sold daily widely – frequently to visitors.

Videos of the operation show numerous hooded and equipped personnel zip-tying and detaining a man, and forcing aside witnesses. Throngs of locals trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference held with the New York immigrant rights coalition, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, said that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where nationals should be detained for unjustly." He said the individuals were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to incite tension. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for the government to deploy the military to prevent unrest that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the ICE raid rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, as did NY's governor.

"Once again, the federal government chooses authoritarian theatrics that create fear, instead of protection. It has to end," one mayoral candidate wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups expressed outrage too.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and protective equipment to target street vendors working to survive. This action had no connection to community security and everything to do with frightening communities and communities," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the organization has claimed it does not arrest or detain American nationals. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been detained unlawfully by federal agents during the period of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in the state and nationwide this year.

A recent action in the city center was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the current administration. Rallies opposing federal operations are widespread along with allegations of violence and inhumane treatment.

Most recently, a letter provided by civil rights groups alleged medical neglect of expectant mothers in detention centers.