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New York state AG has rolled out a recent online portal asking citizens to share photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement throughout the state. This action comes just a shortly after a high-profile immigration operation shook NYC's Chinatown, sparking widespread demonstrations.

US Citizens Arrested During Raid

A lawmaker announced during a news conference that four US citizens were taken into custody and held for "nearly 24 hours" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker is entitled to live without fear," state officials declared in a release.

"If you witnessed and documented immigration enforcement during the raid, I urge you to share that evidence with the authorities. We are committed to examining these reports and evaluating any wrongdoings."

Submission Process

The form offers spaces to upload visual evidence of the operation, along with a field to indicate where it occurred. Prior to sending, individuals must tick a option that acknowledges that "the office could utilize any documents, photographs, or videos in a official report, such as in a court case or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Manhattan operation, which observers say included more than 50 federal agents, took place in a well-known district of the city where imitation products and additional items are commonly traded en masse – frequently to sightseers.

Recordings of Tuesday's raid reveal numerous hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a person, and pushing back witnesses. Crowds of New Yorkers followed the agents down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen rolling through the urban roads.

Leadership Statements

At a Wednesday press conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democratic representative, stated that four US citizens were detained by ICE for almost a full day and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be detained for without cause." He clarified the citizens were let go on Wednesday with no accusations made.

"There's a clear purpose here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This constitutes a military-style operation to provoke unrest. It is merely a justification to incite violence for this administration to utilize the military to halt unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the immigration operation rapidly grew – every mayoral candidates denounced the raid, including the state leader.

"Yet again, the current administration selects heavy-handed tactics that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

New York City immigrant rights groups spoke out too.

"Immigration agents descended on the neighborhood with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and riot gear to go after local sellers trying to make a living. This raid had no relation to public safety and everything to do with frightening communities and areas," remarked the leader of a advocacy group.

Agency Rules

Agency rules forbids the arrest of American nationals and the organization has claimed it will not arrest or detain American nationals. Yet, investigative journalism has found that over 170 citizens have been held against their will by immigration authorities since the start of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been becoming more common in New York and across the US recently.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the present government. Demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement are widespread along with claims of violence and abusive practices.

Latest, a submission provided by advocacy organizations alleged healthcare failures of women with child in ICE facilities.