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The state attorney general has introduced a new online portal encouraging residents to submit images and footage of ICE operations around the state. This step comes just a day after a major enforcement action rattled Chinatown in Manhattan, triggering widespread protests.

US Citizens Arrested In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker revealed during a news conference that four American citizens were taken into custody and held for "about 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Protests occurred in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"Each citizen has the right to exist without intimidation," the attorney general stated in a release.

"Anyone who observed and documented ICE activity recently, I encourage you to provide that material with my office. We are committed to examining these reports and investigating any violations of law."

Submission Process

The portal offers fields to send visual evidence of the operation, as well as a section to specify location information. When submitting, submitters must tick a checkbox that confirms that "authorities may use any evidence provided in a official report, such as in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Manhattan operation, which observers say featured dozens of ICE personnel, took place in a famous area of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and merchandise are regularly available in large quantities – often to tourists.

Footage of Tuesday's raid depict several masked and armed federal agents restraining and arresting a individual, and pushing back witnesses. Masses of residents pursued the personnel down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed moving along the Manhattan avenues.

Leadership Statements

In a news conference organized with the rights organization, congressman Dan Goldman, a Democrat, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be detained for no reason." He clarified the citizens were released on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not about removing offenders," Goldman stated. "This is a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is simply a excuse to incite violence for federal officials to bring in the armed forces to halt violence that they themselves caused."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the ICE raid quickly spread – each of the political contenders condemned the raid, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the federal government opts for authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," a contender declared.

The city's advocacy organizations expressed outrage also.

"Federal officers descended on Chinatown in NYC with military-style vehicles, covered personnel and riot gear to go after local sellers attempting to earn income. This operation had no relation to citizen protection and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," remarked the president of a rights organization.

ICE Policies

Official guidelines prohibits the detention of US citizens and the bureau has stated it refrains from arrest or detain US citizens. However, independent reporting has discovered that more than 170 American nationals have been held against their will by ICE since the start of the present government.

Current Situation

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

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an immigrant shelter of the current administration. Demonstrations against federal operations are ubiquitous along with claims of violence and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission submitted by advocacy organizations stated healthcare failures of pregnant women in detention centers.