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The state attorney general has launched a recent online portal urging locals to share visual evidence of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This move comes just a day after a high-profile immigration operation shook NYC's Chinatown, prompting mass outcry.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A US congressman disclosed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and held for "nearly 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Demonstrations erupted in NYC on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to reside free from terror," the attorney general stated in a statement.

"If you witnessed and recorded federal operations yesterday, I encourage you to submit that material with my office. We are pledged to examining these reports and determining any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The portal includes fields to send photos and videos of the operation, along with a field to note geographic details. When submitting, submitters must tick a checkbox that acknowledges that "authorities could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The enforcement action, which onlookers say featured dozens of federal agents, occurred in a popular area of NYC where imitation purses, items, goods and other goods are commonly traded in large quantities – often to visitors.

Recordings of the operation show several hooded and equipped federal agents restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers trailed the agents down the sidewalks. An military-style transport was observed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Official Reactions

During a midweek briefing held with the immigrant advocacy group, congressman Dan Goldman, a lawmaker, stated that four nationals were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for unjustly." He noted the citizens were freed on the following day with no charges filed.

"The goal is evident here. It is not to take criminals off the street," Goldman said. "This represents a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to provoke conflict for this administration to bring in the troops to stop conflict that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation escalated – all three NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the incident, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government opts for authoritarian theatrics that instill panic, rather than security. It must stop," a contender declared.

New York City community groups expressed outrage as well.

"ICE raided Manhattan's Chinatown with armored transports, hooded officers and tactical gear to focus on local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had no relation to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the head of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy forbids the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has stated it will not arrest or detain US citizens. However, investigative journalism has found that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents since the beginning of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

Enforcement actions have been rising in frequency in the state and around the country lately.

An October operation in the city center was the first known raid on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Protests against federal operations are ubiquitous including allegations of force and abusive practices.

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