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New York state attorney general has rolled out a fresh online portal asking residents to submit images and footage of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This move follows a shortly after a major enforcement action disrupted Manhattan's Chinatown, prompting mass protests.

US Citizens Detained In Enforcement Action

A lawmaker revealed during a news conference that four US citizens were detained and kept for "almost a full day" after Tuesday's raid. Demonstrations broke out in NYC on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents is entitled to reside free from terror," the AG wrote in a announcement.

"Anyone who observed and captured ICE activity during the raid, I encourage you to provide that footage with the authorities. We are dedicated to assessing these accounts and investigating any wrongdoings."

Form Details

The portal offers options to send images and video footage of the incident, along with a area to indicate where it occurred. When submitting, submitters must mark a box that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a legal proceeding, such as in a lawsuit or public report."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The Chinatown raid, which witnesses say included dozens of ICE personnel, happened in a well-known district of Manhattan where fake products and additional items are regularly available widely – often to tourists.

Recordings of the operation show multiple covered and weaponized federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and forcing aside bystanders. Crowds of residents trailed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was also seen moving along the city streets.

Political Response

During a news conference organized with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four US citizens were arrested by immigration for almost a full day and that there were "no circumstances where nationals should be taken for unjustly." He said the individuals 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 said. "This represents a armed campaign to create conflict. It is merely a pretext to provoke conflict for federal officials to bring in the military to stop violence that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Outrage over the ICE raid rapidly grew – every NYC mayor hopefuls denounced the operation, including NY's governor.

"Repeatedly, the Trump administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that instill panic, not safety. It has to end," a contender declared.

The city's advocacy organizations voiced concern too.

"Federal officers descended on the neighborhood with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to community security and focused completely on terrorizing immigrant families and communities," said the leader of a rights organization.

Agency Rules

ICE policy forbids the detention of US citizens and the agency has said it does not take into custody citizens. Nevertheless, external research has discovered that numerous citizens have been taken illegally by federal agents during the period of the present government.

Ongoing Trend

ICE raids have been becoming more common in the state and nationwide lately.

A recent action in central NYC was the earliest reported action on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests targeting ICE are widespread as are claims of violence and inhumane treatment.

Latest, a submission provided by legal entities alleged healthcare failures of pregnant women in ICE facilities.