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New York state AG has rolled out a new online portal asking locals to submit visual evidence of immigration raids across New York. This step comes just a day after a major ICE raid disrupted NYC's Chinatown, triggering mass protests.

American Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A congressional representative revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four American citizens were arrested and kept for "nearly 24 hours" following the previous day's operation. Demonstrations erupted in New York on consecutive evenings.

"All New York residents has the right to exist without intimidation," the AG wrote in a statement.

"If you witnessed and captured federal operations recently, I urge you to provide that evidence with the authorities. We are committed to reviewing these submissions and determining any legal breaches."

Form Details

The portal includes fields to submit visual evidence of the operation, as well as a section to note where it occurred. Prior to sending, submitters must tick a checkbox that confirms that "the attorney general might employ any materials, images, or footage in a official report, including in a court case or official statement."

Details of the Chinatown Raid

The Chinatown raid, which observers say featured more than 50 federal agents, happened in a popular neighborhood of NYC where counterfeit handbags, accessories, jewelry and additional items are commonly traded en masse – often to visitors.

Footage of the operation reveal numerous hooded and equipped officers securing and holding a man, and pushing back onlookers. Crowds of locals followed the officers down the sidewalks. An armored military vehicle was noticed rolling through the urban roads.

Political Response

At a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, Representative Goldman, a lawmaker, announced that four nationals were taken by federal agents for about 24 hours and that there were "no circumstances where US citizens should be arrested for no reason." He noted the persons were freed on Wednesday with no legal action taken.

"The goal is evident here. It is not about removing offenders," he stated. "This is a armed campaign to create conflict. It is simply a justification to generate turmoil for federal officials to utilize the military to stop unrest that they initiated."

Widespread Condemnation

Fury over the ICE raid escalated – each of the mayoral candidates denounced the raid, as did the state leader.

"Once again, the federal government selects oppressive displays that generate terror, not safety. It has to end," one mayoral candidate declared.

The city's community groups expressed outrage also.

"Immigration agents targeted Manhattan's Chinatown with tactical trucks, hooded officers and riot gear to target local sellers attempting to earn income. This raid had no connection to community security and was entirely about terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the president of a major immigrant coalition.

Agency Rules

Official guidelines forbids the holding of citizens and the bureau has stated it will not take into custody American nationals. However, investigative journalism has discovered that numerous US citizens have been detained unlawfully by ICE during the period of the present government.

Current Situation

Immigration operations have been rising in frequency in New York and nationwide recently.

A mid-October raid in central NYC was the initial documented operation on an housing center of the existing leadership. Protests targeting ICE are widespread including claims of violence and cruel conditions.

Most recently, a submission submitted by civil rights groups claimed medical neglect of women with child in government custody.