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New York state AG has introduced a new online portal encouraging citizens to submit photos and videos of immigration raids across the state. This step follows a day after a significant ICE raid rattled Manhattan's Chinatown, triggering mass demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested In Raid

A congressional representative announced during a news conference that four citizens were taken into custody and held for "almost a full day" following the enforcement action. Demonstrations occurred in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Every New Yorker has the right to live without fear," the AG stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded ICE activity yesterday, I urge you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these reports and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The platform offers fields to send visual evidence of the incident, plus a section to indicate geographic details. Before submitting, individuals must tick a option that states that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or government document."

Information about the Chinatown Raid

The Manhattan operation, which witnesses say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a famous area of Manhattan where imitation products and other goods are regularly available widely – frequently to sightseers.

Videos of the incident show numerous masked and armed officers zip-tying and detaining a person, and pushing back bystanders. Masses of New Yorkers followed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored truck was also seen traveling down the Manhattan avenues.

Political Response

During a Wednesday press conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democratic representative, announced that four nationals were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where four American citizens should be arrested for no reason." He clarified the individuals were let go on the following day with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not focused on deporting lawbreakers," Goldman said. "This represents a militarized effort to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to incite violence for the government to bring in the armed forces to prevent violence that they have created."

Widespread Condemnation

Anger over the federal action rapidly grew – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the operation, including the state leader.

"Once again, the current administration opts for authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, rather than security. It needs to cease," a contender stated.

NYC community groups voiced concern too.

"Immigration agents targeted Chinatown in NYC with armored transports, masked agents and tactical gear to go after street vendors trying to make a living. This action had nothing to do with public safety and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and neighborhoods," remarked the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy bans the holding of citizens and the organization has said it will not arrest or detain citizens. However, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous US citizens have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been becoming more common in the state and around the country this year.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an immigrant shelter of the present government. Rallies opposing ICE are commonplace as are accusations of aggression and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission provided by legal entities claimed healthcare failures of expectant mothers in government custody.