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The state AG has launched a new online portal asking residents to provide photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement across New York. This move comes just a day after a significant ICE raid shook Manhattan's Chinatown, sparking mass demonstrations.

American Citizens Detained During Enforcement Action

A US congressman revealed during a Wednesday press conference that four US citizens were detained and held for "about 24 hours" after the enforcement action. Protests occurred in New York on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Every New Yorker has the right to reside free from terror," the attorney general wrote in a release.

"For those who saw and recorded federal operations yesterday, I urge you to provide that evidence with my office. We are pledged to assessing these submissions and evaluating any violations of law."

Form Details

The form provides spaces to upload photos and videos of the operation, as well as a field to indicate where it occurred. Prior to sending, users must check a box that confirms that "authorities could utilize any materials, images, or footage in a public document, such as in a lawsuit or official statement."

Details of the Manhattan Operation

The enforcement action, which onlookers say included more than 50 federal agents, happened in a well-known neighborhood of Manhattan where fake products and other goods are sold daily widely – often to visitors.

Recordings of the operation show several masked and armed federal agents restraining and arresting a man, and shoving away bystanders. Throngs of residents followed the personnel along the roads. An military-style transport was observed traveling down the city streets.

Official Reactions

During a news conference held with the immigrant advocacy group, the congressman, a Democrat, stated that four nationals were arrested by immigration for nearly 24 hours and that there were "no situations where four American citizens should be taken for without cause." He said the individuals were freed on Wednesday with no charges filed.

"The intent is obvious here. It is not to take criminals off the street," he said. "This constitutes a militarized effort to provoke unrest. It is simply a pretext to incite violence for federal officials to deploy the troops to stop conflict that they themselves caused."

Extensive Outcry

Anger over the immigration operation quickly spread – every NYC mayor hopefuls criticized the operation, as did Governor Kathy Hochul.

"Yet again, the Trump administration opts for heavy-handed tactics that create fear, instead of protection. It needs to cease," a contender declared.

NYC immigrant rights groups spoke out also.

"Immigration agents descended on Chinatown in NYC with tactical trucks, masked agents and protective equipment to focus on street vendors attempting to earn income. This action had no relation to community security and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and areas," stated the head of a major immigrant coalition.

ICE Policies

Agency rules prohibits the arrest of American nationals and the bureau has stated it refrains from take into custody citizens. Nevertheless, external research has revealed that over 170 US citizens have been taken illegally by ICE since the start of the existing leadership.

Recent Pattern

Enforcement actions have been cropping up increasingly in the state and nationwide this year.

An October operation in the city center was the first known raid on an housing center of the existing leadership. Demonstrations against federal operations are ubiquitous as are claims of force and abusive practices.

Most recently, a letter provided by legal entities stated inadequate care of expectant mothers in detention centers.