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The state attorney general has rolled out a recent online portal urging locals to share images and footage of federal immigration enforcement throughout New York. This move comes just a day after a significant ICE raid rattled NYC's Chinatown, sparking large-scale protests.

US Citizens Held In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker disclosed during a midweek briefing that four US citizens were detained and detained for "about 24 hours" after the previous day's operation. Rallies erupted in New York on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

"All New York residents is entitled to exist without intimidation," the attorney general wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and recorded ICE activity yesterday, I ask you to provide that evidence with us. We are dedicated to examining these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Form Details

The form provides spaces to send photos and videos of the raid, plus a section to specify geographic details. Before submitting, submitters must mark a option that states that "authorities could utilize any evidence provided in a official report, including in a legal proceeding or official statement."

Details of the ICE Action

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say involved more than 50 ICE personnel, took place in a well-known area of the city where imitation purses, items, goods and merchandise are sold daily in large quantities – typically to visitors.

Recordings of the operation depict multiple hooded and equipped officers restraining and arresting a person, and forcing aside onlookers. Crowds of locals trailed the agents through the streets. An armored military vehicle was also seen traveling down the urban roads.

Official Reactions

During a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a lawmaker, said that four nationals were arrested by immigration for about 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be taken for no reason." He said the persons were released on the following day with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," the congressman stated. "This constitutes a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a pretext to incite violence for the government to bring in the troops to stop violence that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Fury over the ICE raid rapidly grew – each of the political contenders criticized the raid, including the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government chooses authoritarian theatrics that generate terror, rather than security. It must stop," a contender declared.

NYC advocacy organizations spoke out also.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, hooded officers and protective equipment to focus on local sellers working to survive. This action had no connection to citizen protection and was entirely about intimidating residents and communities," remarked the president of a advocacy group.

Official Guidelines

ICE policy prohibits the detention of US citizens and the organization has stated it refrains from apprehend US citizens. Yet, independent reporting has revealed that numerous citizens have been held against their will by federal agents since the start of the current administration.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been becoming more common in the state and around the country lately.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an refuge facility of the present government. Protests against immigration enforcement are ubiquitous including claims of force and inhumane treatment.

Recently, a document submitted by legal entities alleged inadequate care of women with child in detention centers.