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The state AG has rolled out a fresh online portal asking citizens to share visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement around New York. This move comes just a shortly after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested During ICE Operation

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Protests erupted in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the attorney general declared in a release.

"Anyone who observed and documented federal operations yesterday, I ask you to submit that footage with my office. We are pledged to reviewing these reports and evaluating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal provides options to submit images and video footage of the incident, as well as a area to specify location information. Before submitting, individuals must mark a checkbox that acknowledges that "the attorney general could utilize any evidence provided in a legal proceeding, including in a court case or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which observers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a famous district of NYC where counterfeit products and merchandise are commonly traded widely – often to tourists.

Footage of the incident reveal multiple masked and armed personnel restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of locals trailed the personnel down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was noticed moving along the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

In a Wednesday press conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, stated that four US citizens were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no conditions where US citizens should be detained for without cause." He said the citizens were released on the following day with no accusations made.

"The goal is evident here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," he stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a excuse to provoke conflict for this administration to deploy the military to stop violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the federal action quickly spread – all three NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the incident, along with Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Repeatedly, the current administration chooses heavy-handed tactics that create fear, rather than security. It must stop," one mayoral candidate declared.

NYC community groups expressed outrage too.

"ICE targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on street vendors working to survive. This operation had nothing to do with citizen protection and was entirely about frightening communities and communities," said the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it does not apprehend American nationals. However, investigative journalism has discovered that over 170 US citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the existing leadership.

Current Situation

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

A recent action in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations against ICE are widespread including accusations of violence and inhumane treatment.

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