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New York state AG has rolled out a fresh online portal asking locals to provide photos and videos of immigration raids around New York. This move follows a shortly after a major enforcement action shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking large-scale outcry.

US Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A US congressman disclosed during a midweek briefing that four citizens were arrested and kept for "almost a full day" after the previous day's operation. Protests occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," state officials wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded immigration enforcement during the raid, I ask you to submit that material with us. We are committed to assessing these accounts and investigating any violations of law."

Form Details

The platform offers options to submit images and video footage of the raid, along with a field to specify where it occurred. When submitting, individuals must check a box that acknowledges that "authorities may use any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Information about the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved over fifty government officers, took place in a popular neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are sold daily in large quantities – often to visitors.

Footage of the incident depict multiple hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a person, and forcing aside witnesses. Masses of residents pursued the agents through the streets. An military-style transport was noticed rolling through the city streets.

Official Reactions

In a midweek briefing featuring the New York immigrant rights coalition, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where nationals should be arrested for without cause." He noted the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This is a militarized effort to create conflict. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the military to halt unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the raid, including the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration selects authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, instead of protection. It has to end," a political candidate declared.

The city's community groups spoke out too.

"ICE targeted Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, hooded officers and protective equipment to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This action had no relation to public safety and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," remarked the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the agency has claimed it will not take into custody citizens. However, independent reporting has discovered that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by immigration authorities since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been cropping up increasingly in NY and nationwide lately.

A recent action in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the present government. Protests opposing immigration enforcement are ubiquitous as are claims of force and abusive practices.

Most recently, a submission provided by legal entities alleged inadequate care of expectant mothers in ICE facilities.