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The state attorney general has rolled out a new online portal asking locals to submit visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This step comes just a day after a high-profile ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, sparking mass outcry.

American Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Rallies broke out in NYC on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"Each citizen has the right to live without fear," the AG wrote in a announcement.

"For those who saw and documented immigration enforcement recently, I urge you to share that evidence with us. We are pledged to reviewing these accounts and determining any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The platform includes fields to submit images and video footage of the raid, along with a field to specify location information. Prior to sending, users must mark a option that confirms that "the office may use any documents, photographs, or videos in a public document, such as in a court case or public report."

Information about the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which onlookers say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a well-known neighborhood of NYC where fake handbags, accessories, jewelry and other goods are regularly available en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Videos of Tuesday's raid depict numerous covered and weaponized personnel restraining and arresting a man, and pushing back onlookers. Throngs of locals pursued the agents through the streets. An armored truck was noticed traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

During a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for unjustly." He said the persons were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman remarked. "This represents a armed campaign to incite tension. It is purely a justification to generate turmoil for the government to deploy the troops to prevent violence that they initiated."

Broad Criticism

Fury over the ICE raid quickly spread – each of the mayoral candidates condemned the operation, along with the state leader.

"Once again, the Trump administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, instead of protection. It must stop," a political candidate wrote.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to focus on small merchants trying to make a living. This raid had no relation to community security and everything to do with intimidating residents and neighborhoods," stated the leader of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Agency rules forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has claimed it refrains from arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, external research has revealed that over 170 American nationals have been held against their will by immigration authorities during the period of the current administration.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in New York and nationwide lately.

An October operation in midtown Manhattan was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Rallies targeting federal operations are widespread along with accusations of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission provided by civil rights groups alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in government custody.